Alphatec has filed a patent for an expandable interbody device that includes superior and inferior shells enclosing a control mechanism. The control mechanism consists of interlocking proximal and distal cages and an adjustment screw. The device allows for longitudinal translation of the distal cage, expanding the interbody by pushing apart the distal ends of the shells. GlobalData’s report on Alphatec gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Alphatec, Prosthetic cardiac valves was a key innovation area identified from patents. Alphatec's grant share as of September 2023 was 60%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Expandable interbody with control mechanism for longitudinal expansion

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Alphatec Holdings Inc

A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230285163A1) describes an expandable interbody device for use in spinal surgeries. The device consists of a superior shell and an inferior shell, each with side walls that include slots. A control assembly is situated between the shells and includes interlocking cages and an adjustment screw. The proximal ends of the shells pivotally engage the proximal cage, while the distal cage includes lateral projections that engage the slots. By rotating the adjustment screw, the distal cage translates along a longitudinal axis, causing the distal ends of the shells to move apart and expand the device.

The patent also describes additional features of the expandable interbody device. The adjustment screw is a twin screw with a proximal screw and a distal screw, and the distal screw is rotationally fixed relative to the distal cage. The distal bore of the proximal cage is threaded, allowing the adjustment screw to threadingly engage it. The distal cage includes a retention pin to hold the adjustment screw in place. The distal cage also has ramped surfaces and rounded surfaces to slidingly engage the superior and inferior shells. The distal ends of the shells are curved to enclose the distal end of the distal cage in the unexpanded state.

The patent further describes an interbody system that includes the expandable interbody device and an inserter. The inserter has a handle portion with a cannula and an engagement portion with an engagement mechanism to engage the expandable interbody. The inserter also includes a counter torque extension to prevent rotation of the interbody during engagement. The system also includes an expansion tool with a handle and an extension that slides through and rotates within the cannula. The extension engages with the adjustment screw, allowing the expandable interbody to transition between the expanded and unexpanded states.

Overall, this patent describes an expandable interbody device and an interbody system that provide flexibility and control in spinal surgeries. The device allows for controlled expansion of the interbody, while the system includes an inserter and an expansion tool to facilitate the surgical procedure. These innovations have the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance the efficiency of spinal surgeries.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies