Fran Korhonen

Title: Fran Korhonen: Innovator in Medical Instrumentation

Introduction

Fran Korhonen is a notable inventor based in Negaunee, Michigan. She has made significant contributions to the field of medical instrumentation, holding three patents that showcase her innovative spirit and technical expertise.

Latest Patents

Her latest patents include an apparatus and method for stabilizing adjacent bone portions. This invention involves instruments, kits, and methods designed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments serve to align a drill guide and insert a spacer stabilizer for the stabilization of adjacent bone portions. The design features an elongated guide bar body, an inserter face at the distal end for abutting an instrument attachment portion of a spacer, and a connection tip portion for securing the spacer against the inserter face. Additionally, the guide portion of the elongated guide bar body aligns instruments with the spacer and introduces a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. A retractable graft block is also included to secure graft material within an aperture of the spacer during insertion.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Fran has worked with various companies, including J.M. Longyear Manufacturing LLC. Her experience in the industry has allowed her to develop and refine her innovative ideas, contributing to advancements in medical technology.

Collaborations

Fran has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Matthew N. Songer and Jason Sandstrom. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of her impactful inventions.

Conclusion

Fran Korhonen's work in medical instrumentation exemplifies her dedication to innovation and improvement in healthcare technology. Her patents reflect her commitment to enhancing surgical procedures and patient outcomes.