# US 2026/0090899 A1 · Telemetry trial for digital implant > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2026/0090899 A1 - Document ID: US20260090899A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 19/272,557 - Filed: 2025-07-17 - Published: 2026-04-02 - Earliest claimed: 2024-09-30 - Assignees: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Applicants: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, M.D.; Steven D. Glassman, M.D.; Adam D. Glaser; Newton H. Metcalf, JR.; Jerald L. Redmond - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20260090899A1 ## CPC - A61F 2/468: {Testing instruments for artificial joints (for testing non-implantable prostheses A61F2/76)} - A61B 17/7032: {Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass} - A61B 17/7074: {Tools specially adapted for spinal fixation operations other than for bone removal or filler handling (A61B17/7062, A61B17/808, A61B17/8858 take precedence; for spinal image producing devices A61B90/36, A61B34/20; markers A61B90/39)} - A61F 2/4657: {Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints (for surgical instruments A61B90/06)} - A61F 2/4684: {Trial or dummy prostheses} - A61B 2017/00022: {Sensing or detecting at the treatment site} - A61B 2017/00084: {Temperature} - A61B 2017/00221: {with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves} - A61B 2017/00424: {ergonomic, e.g. fitting in fist} - A61B 2017/00455: {Orientation indicators, e.g. recess on the handle} - A61B 2017/00681: {Aspects not otherwise provided for} - A61B 2090/0807: {Indication means} - A61F 2002/4632: {using computer-controlled surgery, e.g. robotic surgery} - A61F 2002/4658: {for measuring dimensions, e.g. length} - A61F 2002/4662: {for measuring penetration depth} - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Devices and methods for trial-fitting smart medical implants are disclosed. A trial fitting device for a smart implant includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft, and a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion. The trial fitting device further includes a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A trial fitting device for a smart implant, the device comprising: a handle; a shaft extending from the handle; a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft; a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion; and a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the head portion is shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a smart implant. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The trial fitting device of claim 2, wherein the head portion includes a visual cue of where a longitudinal rod would interface with the smart implant. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the telemetry gauge is configured to indicate a depth of tissue that permits effective telemetry from a smart implant in the position and orientation of the head portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The trial fitting device of claim 4, wherein the telemetry gauge is configured to indicate a range of distances indicating a range of tissue depths that permit effective telemetry, the range of distances based on a parameter of the tissue. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter disposed in the head portion, the transmitter configured to transmit a test signal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The trial fitting device of claim 6, further comprising a control configured to cause the transmitter to transmit the test signal. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The trial fitting device of claim 6, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the test signal at one of at least two different strengths. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the handle and the shaft share a longitudinal axis. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises an ergonomic grip. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the rotational indicator is etched into the handle. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The trial fitting device of claim 1, wherein the head portion is shaped and dimensioned to correspond with an interbody device. ### Claim 13 A method of trial-fitting an implant, the method comprising: receiving a trial-fitting tool comprising: a handle; a shaft extending from the handle; a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft, the head portion shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a smart implant; a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion; and a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion; using the handle of the trial-fitting tool to: position the head portion at a trial location for an implant; and adjust, as needed, the position and orientation of the head portion to fit available space; confirming, using the rotational indicator, that the head portion has a desired orientation; and confirming, using the telemetry gauge, that a point of incision is within the threshold distance from the head portion to the point of incision; and installing the implant in place of the trial-fitting tool. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising, in response to the head portion not fitting at the trial location, using a trial-fitting tool having a second head portion, the second head portion shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a second smart implant, to position the second head portion at the trial location. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein using the trial-fitting tool having the second head portion comprises replacing the head portion of the trial-fitting tool with the second head portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein: the trial-fitting tool further comprises a transmitter disposed in the head portion and configured to transmit a test signal; and the method further comprises, while the head portion is positioned at the trial location, causing the transmitter to transmit the test signal. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising: assessing attenuation characteristics of the tissue between the head portion and the telemetry gauge; and wherein confirming that the point of incision is within the threshold distance is based on the assessed attenuation characteristics. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein positioning the head portion at the trial location comprises positioning the head portion by a surgical navigation robot.