This invention pertains to bone implants, instruments and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides bone implants, instruments and methods to facilitate fusion of bone. The invention is particularly suited for stabilization or fusion of the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae.
Chronic back problems cause pain and disability for a large segment of the population. Frequently, the cause of back pain is traceable to diseased disc material between opposing vertebrae. When the disc material is diseased, the opposing vertebrae may be inadequately supported, resulting in persistent pain. Surgical techniques have been developed to remove all or part of the diseased disc material and fuse the joint between opposing vertebral bodies. Stabilization and/or arthrodesis of the intervertebral joint can reduce the pain associated with movement of a diseased intervertebral joint. Spinal fusion may be indicated to provide stabilization of the spinal column for a wide variety of spine disorders including, for example, structural deformity, traumatic instability, degenerative instability, post-resection iatrogenic instability, etc.
Generally, fusion techniques involve partial or complete removal of the diseased disc and packing the void area with a suitable matrix for facilitating a bony union between the opposing vertebral bodies.
Surgical devices for facilitating interbody fusion are known. Some devices are positioned external to the intervertebral joint during the fusion process. Other devices are positioned within the intervertebral joint. Devices positioned within the joint space typically distract the joint space and provide stabilization by causing tension on the annulus fibrosus and other supporting tissues surrounding the joint space. Examples of devices positioned within the joint space are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,458,638, 5,489,307, 5,055,104, 5,026,373, 5,015,247, 4,961,740, 4,743,256 and 4,501,269, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Some systems use both external fixation and internal fixation devices.
Regardless of the type or location of the fusion device, a bone graft and/or other implant is often used to facilitate new bone growth. The surface area, configuration, orientation, surface texture and deformity characteristics of an implant or bone graft placed in the disc space can affect the stability of the joint during fusion and thus affect the overall success of a fusion procedure.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to unique implants or bone grafts that can be inserted at a fusion site, with or without other stabilizing systems, and instruments and methods for inserting the same.
One inventive aspect of the present disclosure relates to an implant (e.g., a spinal implant) having a first component having support mechanical characteristics and a second component having mechanical characteristics for allowing bone in-growth. Other inventive aspects include systems and methods for implanting multi-component implants. It should be noted that the examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention is directed toward the fusion of bones. The invention provides natural and/or synthetic bone implants that can function as a bone graft between adjacent bones to be fused. The implants of the invention include unique arrangements, configurations and components to facilitate fusion and maintain stability during the fusion process.
The implants, instruments and methods of the invention can be used in a variety of bone fusion procedures. In some embodiments, the invention may be particularly advantageous for intervertebral stabilization or arthrodesis of the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae. Accordingly, for purposes of description herein, the invention will be described by reference to intervertebral fusion procedures in the lumbar region of the spine. However, this description is for exemplary purposes only and should not be construed to limit the intended scope of use of the disclosed implants, instruments or methods. For example, in the case of vertebral fusion, the implants, instruments and methods of the invention can be used to fuse cervical, thoracic, lumbar or lumbo-sacral vertebrae.
In general, the implants, instruments and methods of the invention are directed to facilitating greater continuity between the bone formed at the fusion site and the bones fused. The implants are also designed to provide greater structural support at the fusion site to maintain stability and alignment at the fusion site, to reduce healing time and optimize the structural integrity of the new bone formed at the fusion site. The implants of the invention can also facilitate the ease of implanting and positioning implants at a fusion site.
The implants can be prepared from natural materials, synthetic materials, or a combination of natural and synthetic materials. As used herein, “natural material” means “bone” and includes bone harvested from humans or animals. “Bone” may further include heterologous, homologous and autologous (i.e., xenograft, allograft, autograft) bone derived from, for example, fibula, tibia, radius, ulna, humerus, cranium, calcaneus, tarsus, carpus, vertebra, patella, ilium, etc. Bone may further include one or more bone products which have been partially or completely demineralized, prepared for transplantation (e.g., via removal of immunogenic proteins), and/or processed by other techniques. Additionally, the implants can be prepared from products made from bone, such as chips, putties, and other similar bone products. In some embodiments, human source bone is preferred for human applications. In a preferred embodiment, the bone of an implant can be cancellous and/or cortical.
Cortical implant material can be obtained from known long bones, such as the humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, femur, fibula, etc. Cancellous material can be obtained from the patella, distal condyles, tibial plateau, femoral head, etc. Cranial, pelvic (e.g. iliac crest) and patellar bone can advantageously provide both cortical and cancellous bone in a single piece. Indeed, these sources can provide an implant having cancellous bone surrounded on opposing sides by cortical bone.
“Synthetic materials” include non-bone materials such as titanium, stainless steel, porous titanium, ceramic, carbon fiber, silicon, methylmethacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate urethane, PEEK and other materials suitable for use as an orthopedic implant. Further, the materials may include any of the above synthetic materials combined with a natural bone material. For example, the material may comprise a combination of bioglass and bone chips or bone chips with a bonding agent. As stated above, an implant of the invention can consist solely of a synthetic material. In other applications, a synthetic material may be used in combination with cancellous bone.
In one embodiment, an implant can include a support component or member and a growth component or member. The support component includes a material having mechanical properties suitable for providing, support, stabilization or alignment at the fusion site. An exemplary material for the support component includes cortical bone. The growth component includes a material having mechanical or physical properties that allow or support new bone in-growth. An exemplary material for the growth component includes cancellous bone. In such an embodiment, the support component of the implant provides strength for column support and/or stabilization, and the growth component facilitates tissue growth, vascularization and deposition of new bone (e.g., by providing increased surface area). In one embodiment, the support component includes a material that provides greater axial column strength than the growth component, and the growth component includes a material that allows for enhanced bone in-growth as compared to the support component.
As indicated above, in some embodiments, the “support” portion (component) of an implant of the invention is provided by cortical bone or a natural or synthetic material having biomechanical and biological characteristics similar to cortical bone. The support portion provides support, stabilization, and facilitates alignment at the fusion site. The “growth” portion (component) of the implant can include a material that allows bone in-growth (i.e., an osteoconductive material) such as a bone growth matrix. In these embodiments, the growth portion provides a matrix or scaffold to support new bone growth. One preferred bone growth component that can also provide some support is cancellous bone. “Porous” synthetic materials can also act as a supporting, growth component. As used herein, a “porous synthetic material” includes, for example, porous titanium, porous ceramics, porous stainless steel and like materials. Such porous materials can provide characteristics of both the growth portion and the support portion of the implant.
In some embodiments, the growth component of the implant can be prepared from cancellous bone or alternatively a bone growth matrix shaped into any one of the advantageous configurations of growth components disclosed herein. Suitable bone growth matrices can be resorbable or nonresorbable, and with or without osteoinductive properties or materials. Examples of suitable osteoconductive matrices include synthetic materials, such as Healos™, available from Orquest, Mountain View, Calif. Examples of osteoinductive materials include bone marrow, blood platelets and/or bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs).
An implant of the invention can have one of several configurations including a single component or a plurality of components. In one embodiment, the implants have first and second bearing surfaces, which in use are positioned adjacent opposing vertebrae endplates. The bearing surfaces can include an engaging surface having a surface texture that enhances stability at the bone-implant interface and reduces the likelihood of motion during the fusion process. Examples of engaging surfaces suitable for the invention include ridges, knurls, grooves, teeth, serrations, etc.
Natural or synthetic bone implants of the invention can be manufactured using procedures known in the art. Methods for preparing natural bone implants are disclosed in for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,438; 5,968,047; 5,585,116; 5,112,354; and 5,439,684; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The implants, instruments and methods of the invention will now be described by reference to the several drawing figures. The functional features of the implants of the invention can be embodied in any of a number of specific configurations. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated embodiments are provided for descriptive purposes and should not be used to limit the invention. In addition, in many exemplary embodiments, cortical and cancellous bone are used. It will be appreciated from an understanding of the present invention that the cortical or support and/or growth portions of the implants can be substituted with synthetic materials.
I. Representative Bone Implant
A. Bone Support Member
Referring to
Referring still to
Referring to
Referring to
While the bone support member 341 can have a constant height, in a preferred embodiment, the support member 12 is slightly tapered so as to define a wedge shape. In one embodiment, the bone support member 341 can include a lordotic taper at an angle θ in the range of 0–16 degrees (see
In one non-limiting embodiment, the support member 341 can have a maximum depth D in the range of 20–30 mm, a maximum width W in the range of 20–30 mm, an average thickness (the average of the two thicknesses Hmax and Hmin) in the range of 6–24 mm. In another embodiment, the support member 341 is made of a homogeneous material having consistent (i.e., non-varying) mechanical properties. For example, in one embodiment, the support member 341 can include a bone material having a consistent degree of mineralization. In other embodiments, the support member 341 can include regions of decreased mineralization (e.g., demineralized portions) that provide regions of increased flexibility. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 341 includes a cortical bone cross-section from a femur or tibia bone.
B. Bone Growth Member
In certain embodiments, the growth member 321 preferably has a pre-manufactured or pre-formed shape. The terms “pre-manufactured” and “pre-formed” mean that the growth member 321 has a pre-defined shape prior to insertion in the cavity 327. In some embodiments, the pre-manufactured shape of the growth member 321 complements the shape of the cavity 327. In certain other embodiments, the growth member 321 includes multiple sub-units having pre-defined individual shapes and/or having collective shapes. In another embodiment, the growth member 321 includes a block of cancellous bone having a shape that complements the shape of the cavity 327.
As shown in
In certain embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces 378 and 380 are adapted for direct contact with cancellous bone upon implantation. In these embodiments, to promote bone growth, it is desirable for the surface area provided by the top and bottom surfaces 378 and 380 to provide a significant portion of the total contact area provided by the implant 320 (the combined contact area provided by both the support member 341 and the bone growth member 321). In one embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces 378 and 380 provide at least 20 percent of the total contact area. In another embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces 378 and 380 provide at least 25 percent of the total contact area. In still another embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces 378 and 380 provide at least 30 or 40 percent of the total contact area. In a further embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces 378, 380 each have a width Wgm (shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the bone growth member 321 has a non-threaded exterior. In this embodiment, the bone growth member 321 can be inserted into the cavity 327 by sliding the growth member 321 therein without requiring rotation. Additionally, the non-threaded configuration of the growth member 321 eliminates the need for tapping threads into the bone support member 341 or the opposing vertebral end plates between which the growth member 321 is desired to be implanted.
Referring to
Other implant configurations are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 60/325,585 and 60/325,804 which are hereby incorporated by reference.
C. End Cap
Cap 350 can also include a bore 365 that may be threaded (not shown) which permits for attachment of an insertion tool having a threaded male end to mate with bore 365.
II. General Implantation Method
To implant the implant 320, a discectomy is performed on a patient to partially or completely remove a diseased disc between adjacent vertebrae 20, 22 (see
After preparation of the end plates 20′, 22′, the bone support member 341 is inserted between the distracted vertebrae 20, 22 (see
In a preferred embodiment, each first region 24 is co-extensive with a majority of the surface area of each end plate 20′, 22′. As shown in
III. Implantation Kit
The box chisel 510 includes a hollow handle 518 configured to slide over a shaft 603 of the rasp 600 such that the shaft 603 functions as a guide for controlling the cutting location of the chisel 510. A side handle 701 having an alignment pin 703 is adapted to maintain rotational alignment between the rasp 600 and the box chisel 510. The alignment pin 703 inserts within an opening 605 defined by the shaft 603 of the rasp 600 and also extends through a slot 550 defined by the handle 518 of the chisel 510. The slot 550 allows the chisel 510 to be moved axially back and forth along the rasp handle to provide a chiseling motion. As the chisel 510 is moved along the rasp handle, the pin 703 slides along the slot 550. The range of axial motion of the chisel 510 is limited by the length of the slot 550. During chiseling, the side handle 701 is preferably grasped to stabilize the rasp 600. A slap hammer 501 can be used to provide greater impact forces for cutting the vertebrae with the chisel 510. The slap hammer 501 includes a slot 503 for allowing the slap hammer 501 to be moved past the alignment pin 703 when slid over the handle 518 of the chisel 510.
The kit further includes an insertion tool 800 having an insertion head 803 (also referred to as a “working end”) sized to fit within the cavity 327 of the bone support member 341. In use, the bone support member 341 is mounted on the insertion head 803, and the insertion tool 800 is used to insert the bone support member 341 between the distracted and pre-conditioned vertebrae. Thereafter, the insertion head 803 is removed from the cavity 327 of the bone support member 341, and the growth member 321 is inserted into the cavity 327 through the open end 342 of the cavity 327. Alternatively, a conventional tool, such as a forceps, can be used to insert the growth member 321 into the cavity 327. After the implant 320 has been implanted into the intervertebral space, a portal extractor 60 can be used to remove the portal 52.
A. Wedge Distractor, Portal and Portal Extractor
The portal 52 includes a generally rectangular frame 70 defining the portal window 54. The portal window 54 is sized to receive the wedge distractor 50 with a friction fit between the base portion 64 of the wedge distractor 50 and the frame 70 of the portal 52. The portal 52 also includes spaced apart distraction paddles 74 that align on opposite sides of the vertebral wedge 68 when the wedge distractor 50 is press fit within the portal 52. The distraction paddles 74 and the vertebral wedge 68 preferably have substantially the same side profile.
Referring to
B. Rasp
At the distal end 602, rasp 600 includes a rasp head 606. In the illustrated embodiment, rasp head 606 includes an outer wall 607, an inner wall 608 and has a generally “C-shaped” configuration with a first arm 609 continuous with a second arm 610. The inner wall 608 defines a pocket or receptacle which is sized to complement and receive the distal end of the chisel 510. The first arm 609 and second arm 610 are spaced apart from the shaft 603. Rasp head 606 includes a first engaging surface 611 and a second engaging surface 612. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second engaging surfaces 611, 612 have ridges 613 (see
As illustrated best in
As a trial sizer, the rasp 600 provides a means for determining the appropriate size bone cutting instrument and implant to use for a particular implant site. Multiple rasps 600 are provided, with incrementally different sized, shaped, and/or tapered rasp heads 606 corresponding to different sized, shaped, and/or tapered implants. The surgeon inserts and removes the various rasps 600 and determines (e.g., via evaluation of the frictional fit) which one is the correct size for the intervertebral space. The ridges 613 on the upper and lower surfaces of the rasp head act as a rasp to condition the end plates of the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae.
Proximal to the distal end 602, the shaft 603 of the rasp 600 also includes markings 614 at predetermined distances from the distal edge 615 of the rasp head. During use, markings 614 provide the surgeon with an indication of the depth of distal penetration of rasp 600 between adjacent vertebrae.
C. Box Chisel
In the illustrated embodiment, elongated openings 550 and 551 extend through the handle 518 and shaft 517, respectively, of the chisel 510. As described previously, opening 550 allows for alignment of the chisel 510 with rasp 600. Opening 551 provides additional access to the internal bore 527 for cleaning the instrument and reduces the weight of the instrument.
As previously indicated, implant 320 includes growth member 321, such as cancellous bone, and support member 341, such as cortical bone. The growth member 321 has a similar size and shape as the distal end of the chisel 510 (e.g., dimension Wgm of growth member 321 corresponds to dimension WC of chisel 510 and dimension Hgm of growth member 321 corresponds to dimension CH of chisel 510). Also, the end curvature (i.e., at end 370) of the growth member 321 corresponds to the curvature of edges 520 and 521 of the chisel 510. The support member 341 has a similar size and configuration as the rasp head (see for example
To cut different sized channels, a set of chisels 510 will be available which has instruments with incrementally different sizes of cutting edges 520, 521, 522, 523 corresponding to a particular size implant. For example, chisels 510 having first and second cutting edges 520, 521 with different heights CH will be available to permit the surgeon to select a cutting edge height corresponding to a particular disc space height. In addition, it will be appreciated that the illustrated cutting edges 520 and 521 (and 522 and 523) are parallel. In alternative embodiments, cutting edges 520 and 521 (and 522 and 523) can form a converging or diverging taper.
D. Insertion Tool
In a typical embodiment, arms 807 and 808 are spring biased to expand away (e.g., laterally) from axis AT in the normal, relaxed position. A sleeve 820 (
Thus, an implant can be mounted on the working end 803 of implant insertion tool 800 allowing the surgeon to manipulate an implant via tool 800 into a suitable position at the fusion site.
Referring back to
IV. Method of Implantation Using Kit
In one embodiment, a technique for practicing the method of
After cutting the window in the annulus, the appropriate sized wedge distractor 50 and portal 52 are selected based on pre-operative templating. A sizing chart for various components of the kit is set forth below. The dimensions listed correspond to the heights of portions of the components that are inserted into the intervertebral space.
Once the wedge distractor 50 and portal 52 of the appropriate size have been selected, the portal 52 is inserted over the wedge distractor 50, and the combined unit is then delivered into the midline of the disc space until a desired spacing and annular tension is achieved between the adjacent vertebrae 20, 22. Proper placement is achieved when the portal 52 is flush with the vertebrae 20, 22 as shown in
With the portal in the position shown in
After the wedge distractor 50 has been removed, a rasp 600 of the appropriate size is selected. The end plates 20′, 22′ are then prepared by inserting the head of the rasp through the portal 52 and rasping in an anterior/posterior direction. Preferably, the rasp 600 is advanced until shoulder 607 of the rasp is adjacent the posterior most edge 51 of the portal 52 (see
Once the end plates 20′, 22′ have been prepared with the rasp as indicated above, a box chisel 510 of the appropriate size is preferably selected. Box chisel 510 is then inserted over the shaft 603 of the rasp 600. Rotational alignment between the rasp 600 and the chisel 510 is provided by the pin 703 of side handle 701 (see
When rotational alignment between the rasp 600 and the box chisel 510 achieved, the chisel 510 is slid along the shaft 603 of the rasp toward the vertebrae 20, 22. The chisel 510 is then impacted (e.g., with slap hammer 501) against the vertebrae 20, 22 until edges 522 and 523 of the chisel 510 contact the back side 617 (shown in
After the rasp 600 and box chisel 510 have been removed, an insertion head 803 having a size corresponding to the size of the rasp 600 and chisel 510 is selected. The insertion sleeve 820 is placed over the shaft of the insertion tool 800 and slid toward the insertion head 803 causing the arms 807, 808 of the insertion head 803 to be flexed together. Thereafter, the support member 341 of the implant 320 is inserted onto the insertion head 803 such that tabs 804, 805 of the insertion head fit within the corresponding grooves 336, 337 of the support member 341 (see
The insertion tool 800 is then used to insert the support member 341 through the portal 52 into the intervertebral space between the vertebrae 20, 22. Light impaction may be utilized to deliver the support member 341 into its final position. Final positioning is achieved when the insertion head contacts a positive stop 27 formed in the vertebrae 20, 22 by the chisel 510 (see
After the support member 341 has been implanted, a growth member 321 having a size that corresponds to the support member 341 is selected. Preferably, the growth member 321 has a height that is at least two millimeters, and preferably about three millimeters larger than the corresponding support member 341. A tool such as a forceps 29 is used to place the growth member 321 into the channel (i.e., region 26 shown in
V. Alternative Implant Configuration
A central void 155 is bounded by inner wall 147 and is continuous with opening 144 between arms 142 and 143. Thus, body 141 is a support component which can receive a growth component 153 in central void 155. In the illustrated embodiment, growth component 153 can be a dowel of cancellous bone.
The implants described herein can be included in a kit comprising a plurality of incrementally sized implants which can be selected for use by the clinician based on the size needed for a particular patient. In other embodiments, kits will be provided which include instrumentation for performing an implant procedure with or without a plurality of incrementally sized implants. Further, surface preparation tools (e.g., rasps and cutting tools) other than those specifically depicted herein can be used to practice various aspects of the invention.
Having now described the present invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made in the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 60/269,777, filed on Feb. 16, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/896,926, filed on Jun. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,060. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/896,926 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/611,237 filed Jul. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,582.
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Child | 10080375 | US | |
Parent | 09611237 | Jul 2000 | US |
Child | 09896926 | US |