BRET ALLEN FERREE, M.D.
Medical Practice in Cincinnati, OH

2005022, Oct 6, 2005

May 31, 2005

11/140751

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F002/44

623017160

A method of augmenting a nucleus pulposus within an annulus fibrosis. A material having a relatively thin, elongated first state is inserted through the annulus, after which it expands or otherwise assumes a shape that is more rounded when implanted. In the preferred embodiment, for introduction the material is relatively rigid or hard and relatively thin, resembling a needle or a nail. The size, shape, and consistency of the material allow the device to be pushed through the fibers of the annulus fibrosis, preferably without an incision, and into the nucleus pulposus and/or disc space. The resultant shape assists the nucleus pulposis in acting as a “shock absorber,” and the expansion of the material also makes extrusion unlikely. Various materials qualify for this purpose according to the invention. Materials that change shape with temperature include memory-effect alloys such as Nitinol and substances such as stearle methacrylate. Materials that change in shape in the presence of moisture include hydrogels and other substances that imbibe water. Materials that expand due to chemical reaction include various foams, and the like, some of which may be applied in two-part form.

2006002, Feb 2, 2006

Jul 19, 2005

11/184480

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61B 17/60

606102000

Improved methods and apparatus render ADR insertion safer and more precise. Certain surgical instruments according to the invention include a level enabling a user to align the instrument for proper placement of a surgical implant. A different surgical instrument includes two or more scopes mounted relative to the instrument permitting a user to simultaneously view more than one side of the instrument. A device for use with a surgical instrument having a long shaft includes a holder that surrounds at least a portion of the shaft allowing a user to control the instrument with both hands. A further surgical instrument comprises a set of retractors and one or more guards placed over the retractors for protecting the great vessels, nerves or other delicate structures during a surgical procedure. Surgical apparatus according to the invention comprises a platform mountable to an operating room table over a patient undergoing a surgical procedure, enabling a user to place their hands or attach an instrument while operating. Different surgical instruments include an indicator showing angular displacement or a wedge-shaped portion used for disc distraction. Also disclosed are blades designed for use with a power tool featuring a cutting edge configured such that rapid oscillation of the cutting tool reduces the pressure a user must apply the tool.

2004014, Jul 29, 2004

Dec 19, 2003

10/741290

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US
Alex Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F002/44

623/017110, 623/017160, 606/061000

Methods and apparatus facilitate artificial disc replacement (ADR) removal. One aspect of the invention fastens ADR removal instruments to the ADR. The robust connection between the novel removal tools and the ADR allow the application of large forces. A second aspect of the invention provides special osteotomes, chisels, saws, and drills to release the ADR from the vertebrae. A guide system minimizes destruction of the vertebrae. A third aspect of the invention is directed to marking the location of spikes, keels, or other ADR projections on the front or other visible portion of the ADR. A fourth aspect of the invention involves the use of optional releasable spikes, fins, keels, or other projections. A fifth aspect of the invention resides in cement removal techniques and tools to remove cemented ADRs.

2004012, Jun 24, 2004

Nov 8, 2001

10/007477

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61B017/56

606/061000

Enhanced surface area spinal fusion devices have upper and lower sections which are implanted directly within the bodies of the vertebra being fused, thereby surrounding the implanted sections with cancellous bone which is more conducive to ingrowth and permanent fusion. A preferred device comprises a frame-like structure composed of biocompatible material such as carbon fiber, the structure having a substantially hollow interior and open side walls or apertures to receive bone-graft material. The device is preferably used in conjunction with adjoining intervertebral cages, which may be rigidly joined to one another and/or to the inventive device. One or more physical features are also preferably provided to engage with surrounding bone or minimize back-out, such features including teeth, ridges, grooves, or outriggers. One or more shape-memory elements may also be used, each of which is preferably compressed for insertion then expanded when the device is in place. The inventive fixation device need not be employed between adjacent vertebra, but may be used between vertebra separated by one or more intermediate vertebra, in which case the device extends through the intermediate vertebra, preferably in intimate contact therewith. Multiple devices may also be implanted side by side between the same set of adjacent vertebra. In addition to these various alternative embodiments of the invention, a preferred method if installation is also disclosed. In one of the methods, one or more fasteners, installed with an alignment guide, provide additional fixation.

2004024, Dec 9, 2004

Jun 9, 2004

10/864160

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F002/44

128/898000, 623/017160

Leukocytes, which may include one or more of monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, are harvested and administered to a region of the body. In the preferred embodiment, leukocytes are harvested from the blood by plasmapherisis, a procedure known to those familiar with blood-banking techniques, and used to treat an intervertebral disc. Plasmapherisis allows the removal of desired blood component(s) from a larger volume of blood than the technique described in the '000 Application. Returning the non-desired blood components to the patient prior to withdraw of additional blood prevents complications that may occur from hypovolemia. Thus, a larger number of leukocytes can be obtained with plasmapherisis than with centrifugation of blood removed during a single blood withdraw. Plasmapherisis can also be used to harvest platelets to treat DDD, HNP and other non-disc-related conditions.

2013013, May 23, 2013

May 15, 2012

13/471844

Bret A. Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61B 17/70

606263

Methods for providing a flexible spinal stabilization system operative to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across two or more adjacent vertebrae are described. Broadly, the invention utilizes a pair of connectors on each vertebrae, and flexible elongated elements, such as sutures or cables, in an axial and crisscrossed pattern to provide an arrangement that resists extension, lateral bending, and torsional/rotational motion. In some embodiments, the flexible stabilization system includes a pair of locking anchors and a pair of hook-like anchors. The locking anchors are pre-threaded with a suture in a loose looped configuration before insertion into the vertebra. Once the locking anchors have been inserted, the suture loops can be looped over hook-like anchors inserted into an adjacent vertebrae to join the vertebrae and apply tension across the disc space. In some embodiments, the hook-like anchors can have multiple hooks for use in joining multiple vertebral levels.

2005010, May 12, 2005

Nov 12, 2004

10/987914

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F002/44

623017110, 623017150

Shims are placed between the lateral edge of the vertebra and the plate of a laterally placed ADR. The shims assist in the placement of the ADR center of rotation (COR) in the mid-sagittal line. The shims also customize the fit between the lateral surface of the vertebral body and the plate portion of the ADR, since the lateral surface of a vertebral body often has a central concavity. The modular shims also help reduce ADR inventory by facilitating customization of standard ADRs.

2004024, Dec 9, 2004

Jun 2, 2004

10/859010

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F002/44, A61F002/02

623/011110

Nucleus replacement (NR) devices are less flexible from side-to-side. In preferred embodiments, NR devices according to the invention have increased lateral, or side-to-side, stiffness to decrease the risk of extruding the NR through the holes in the annulus fibrosis (AF). That is, certain NRs according to this invention have increased lateral stiffness that prevent them from becoming narrow enough to escape through a hole or defect in the AF.

2011028, Nov 24, 2011

May 23, 2011

13/113812

BRET A. FERREE - Cincinnati OH, US

A61F 2/44

623 1716

Methods for treating a defect in an annulus fibrous are described. The annulus fibrosis has an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers. An implant is inserted into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the implant having at least one aperture. The implant is advanced distally beyond the outer layer in the annulus fibrosis and positioned to occlude the defect. An elongate fixation element is inserted through the at least one aperture, the elongate fixation element having a first end region and a second end region. The elongate fixation element is positioned such that the first end region is within the at least one aperture. The second end region of the elongate fixation element is anchored to the annulus fibrosis. The implant prevents escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect.

2006024, Nov 2, 2006

Mar 29, 2006

11/391966

Bret Ferree - Cincinnati OH, US
David Tompkins - Milford OH, US

A61F 2/44, A61F 2/28

623017140, 623023610, 623017160

Apparatus and methods are used to expand and/or connect disc replacement devices in situ, allowing such devices to be inserted through smaller openings including posterior as well as an anterior approaches to the spine. Other embodiments reside in nucleus replacements that do not expand within the disc space, providing improved longevity compared to existing NRs. Embodiments of the invention may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The invention may also be used in other joints such as, the knee, prosthetic knees, prosthetic hips, or other joints in the body.