Patents by Inventor Gary McAlister
Gary McAlister 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).
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Publication number: 20240156500Abstract: In general, scapular tethers and methods of using scapular tethers are provided. A tether is configured to be implanted in a body of a patient and to control movement of the patient's scapula. In an exemplary embodiment, the tether is configured to be attached to at least one body structure in a patient. The tether includes a flexible member configured to, when implanted in the patient, flex in response to movement of the patient's scapula accompanying arm movement of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2024Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: David B. Spenciner, Stefan Gabriel, Mehmet Ziya Sengun, Donald E. Barry, Philipp Moroder, Marc Jacofsky, Aaron Chamberlain, Annemarie Bridgette von Rechenberg, John M. Tokish, Brianna Lee, Gary McAlister, Benjamin Cleveland
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Patent number: 11911084Abstract: In general, scapular tethers and methods of using scapular tethers are provided. A tether is configured to be implanted in a body of a patient and to control movement of the patient's scapula. In an exemplary embodiment, the tether is configured to be attached to at least one body structure in a patient. The tether includes a flexible member configured to, when implanted in the patient, flex in response to movement of the patient's scapula accompanying arm movement of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: David B. Spenciner, Stefan Gabriel, Mehmet Ziya Sengun, Donald E. Barry, Philipp Moroder, Marc Jacofsky, Aaron Chamberlain, Annemarie Bridgette von Rechenberg, John M. Tokish, Brianna Lee, Gary McAlister, Benjamin Cleveland
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Publication number: 20220346964Abstract: Implants are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spacer configured to be implanted within a joint. The spacer includes an elongated central body extending from a first end to a second end with a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and first and second wings extending from the first and second ends of the elongated central body, respectively. The elongated central body has a first maximum height in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and each of the first and second wings has a maximum height greater than the first maximum height. When implanted and in the inflated state, at least one of the first wing and the second wing is configured to mechanically interlock with a portion of the anatomy to thereby self-anchor the spacer to the joint and inhibit migration of the spacer. Implant systems and methods for biomechanically augmenting muscle function are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: David B. Spenciner, Stefan M. Gabriel, Mehmet Ziya Sengun, Donald E. Barry, John Tokish, Aaron Chamberlain, Annemarie Brigitte Von Rechenberg, Philipp Moroder, Marc Jacofsky, Gary McAlister
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Publication number: 20220218399Abstract: In general, scapular tethers and methods of using scapular tethers are provided. A tether is configured to be implanted in a body of a patient and to control movement of the patient's scapula. In an exemplary embodiment, the tether is configured to be attached to at least one body structure in a patient. The tether includes a flexible member configured to, when implanted in the patient, flex in response to movement of the patient's scapula accompanying arm movement of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2021Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: David B. Spenciner, Stefan Gabriel, Mehmet Ziya Sengun, Donald E. Barry, Philipp Moroder, Marc Jacofsky, Aaron Chamberlain, Annemarie Bridgette von Rechenberg, John M. Tokish, Brianna Lee, Gary McAlister, Benjamin Cleveland
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Patent number: 10687799Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARLInventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Gary McAlister, Gregory R. Whittaker, David B. Spenciner
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Patent number: 10117698Abstract: In general, devices, systems, and methods for driving an anchor into bone are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical tool is provided that includes a driver tool with a handle and an elongate shaft. A resistance element is disposed within the handle. An inner portion of an anchor is retained on a distal end of the elongate shaft, and a guidewire extends between the resistance element and an outer portion of the anchor that is in bone. As force is applied distally to the handle, the guidewire pushes the anchor into the bone before overcoming force of the resistance element and thereby allowing the inner portion of the anchor to be driven into the outer portion of the anchor.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARLInventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister
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Publication number: 20180161027Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Gary McAlister, Gregory R. Whittaker, David B. Spenciner
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Publication number: 20170252086Abstract: In general, devices, systems, and methods for driving an anchor into bone are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical tool is provided that includes a driver tool with a handle and an elongate shaft. A resistance element is disposed within the handle. An inner portion of an anchor is retained on a distal end of the elongate shaft, and a guidewire extends between the resistance element and an outer portion of the anchor that is in bone. As force is applied distally to the handle, the guidewire pushes the anchor into the bone before overcoming force of the resistance element and thereby allowing the inner portion of the anchor to be driven into the outer portion of the anchor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister
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Patent number: 9706987Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLCInventors: Nathan S. Cauldwell, Jonathan Howe, Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister, Jose E. Lizardi
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Patent number: 9408631Abstract: A cannula system provides a cannula formed of a soft conformable material such as silicone and having an exterior thread. The cannula lacks rigidity, especially axially, and an obturator therefor is provided with an external thread to interact with the cannula an maintain its shape as it is inserted into a patient's body.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLCInventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Steven N. Bittenson, Gary McAlister
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Publication number: 20160192924Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Nathan S. Cauldwell, Jonathan Howe, Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister, Jose E. Lizardi
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Publication number: 20160166246Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Gary McAlister, Gregory R. Whittaker, David B. Spenciner
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Patent number: 9271715Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: DEPUY MITEK, LLCInventors: Nathan Cauldwell, Jonathan Howe, Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister, Jose E. Lizardi
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Patent number: 9237888Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARLInventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Gary McAlister, Gregory R. Whittaker, David B. Spenciner
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Publication number: 20150374407Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for accessing an interior surgical site using an access portal which can be inserted and removed with minimal tissue damage and which can form a seal with tissue while inserted. Generally, a device is provided having a rigid elongate surgical access member with a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive a surgical tool. The device can also include a flexible sleeve having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member. A substantially rigid collar is provided disposed adjacent to a proximal end of the flexible sleeve and having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister, Jason Hamilton
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Patent number: 9161747Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for accessing an interior surgical site using an access portal which can be inserted and removed with minimal tissue damage and which can form a seal with tissue while inserted. Generally, a device is provided having a rigid elongate surgical access member with a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive a surgical tool. The device can also include a flexible sleeve having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member. A substantially rigid collar is provided disposed adjacent to a proximal end of the flexible sleeve and having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLCInventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Gary McAlister, Jason Hamilton
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Publication number: 20150094543Abstract: A cannula system provides a cannula formed of a soft conformable material such as silicone and having an exterior thread. The cannula lacks rigidity, especially axially, and an obturator therefor is provided with an external thread to interact with the cannula an maintain its shape as it is inserted into a patient's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Steven N. Bittenson, Gary McAlister
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Patent number: 8771288Abstract: A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: John Griego, Yem Chin, Gary McAlister
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Publication number: 20140081322Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: DEPUY MITEK, LLCInventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Gary McAlister, Gregory R. Whittaker, David B. Spenciner
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Patent number: 8448831Abstract: A stapling unit for use with an endoscopic stapling system adapted to be advanced along an endoscope to a predetermined location within a body lumen to staple the portion of tissue, as part of an occlusal or full thickness resectioning procedure. The stapling unit comprises a first casing having a distal end, a proximal end and a stapling device mounted thereto adjacent to a first window extending through a periphery of the first casing. The invention includes methods for the stapling, severing and removal of tissue by using the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Gary McAlister, Robert L. Sakal