Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.

Titan Spine, LLC

Kenneth A Roggow

Michael T Gauthier

Mara C Schwartz

Peter F Ullrich, Jr

Austin R Braganza

Pablo Polanco

A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes.

Method of forming a reusable surgical implement

A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided. The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.

Method for forming a molded component for an item

Mold for forming a molded item

A system for use during surgical procedures. The system includes an implant and an inserter. The implant has a faceted post that rotates, ribs adapted to receive impact from an instrument to help position the implant, and stops. The inserter has a sleeve, into and from which a hook retracts and extends and on which a tab is disposed, and a pair of catches. The hook and tab combine to lock the post into position and to release the post so that the post can rotate. The engagements between the hook and the post and between the tab and the post permit rotation of the implant in situ. The stops and catches define an articulation range for the implant relative to a longitudinal axis of the inserter. A related method of using the system is also provided.

Rotating implant and associated instrumentation

Molding process and products formed thereby

A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable flexible material to enable the implement, which can be any suitable device such as a reusable surgical trial implant, rod template or flex driver, among others, to be bent to conform to the desired shape for an actual implant to be placed in the location of the implement. The material forming the enclosure is also flexible to accommodate the flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implement to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures.

Growing community of inventors

Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Kenneth A Roggow