Patents by Inventor Dennis M. Stefura

Dennis M. Stefura has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5944739
    Abstract: A suture anchor installation system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, an elongated shaft extending distally from the distal end of the body portion, the shaft having a distal end with an annular region disposed at the distal end of the shaft. A suture anchor is attachable within the annular region and comprising a setting portion and an engagement portion, the suture anchor having at least one suture associated therewith. A suture retaining member is positioned on the body portion, the suture retaining member including tabs to grip the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor to maintain the setting portion within the engagement portion. A loading unit for use with a suturing apparatus is mountable on the body portion including a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold at least one suture needle, the at least one suture needle being associated with the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Surgical Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Zlock, Dennis M. Stefura, Peter C. Miller, Christine M. Tompkins