Patents by Inventor Lev Drubetsky
Lev Drubetsky 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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Patent number: 11690614Abstract: A suture having a first end for penetrating tissue, an elongated suture body having a periphery; a plurality of retainers on the periphery, and a second end having a variable loop of variable circumference, wherein the variable loop includes a fixed loop slidably engaging the elongated body for slidingly varying the circumference of the variable loop, and wherein the first end may pass through the variable loop to secure tissue as an anchor, the anchor preventing movement of the suture in the direction of deployment of the first end.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, Lev Drubetsky, William L. D'Agostino, William L. Hunter
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Patent number: 11234692Abstract: Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 11007296Abstract: A drug-eluting self-retaining suture comprises a filament, a plurality of retainers, and a drug impregnated in or coated on the filament. The shape and distribution of retainers modifies the in vivo release kinetics of the drug. The drug release kinetics may be modified uniformly or region by region. The self-retaining suture may for example be used for reattaching severed nerves and release nerve growth factor or other regeneration accelerating agents into the region of the nerve injury.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon, LLC, Tissuegen, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon, Rui Avelar, William L. D'Agostino, Kevin Don Nelson, Brent B. Crow, Nickolas B. Griffin
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Patent number: 10952721Abstract: A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology. The laser-machining system includes a stabilization device configured to provide contactless stabilization of the suture thread during a machining operation on the suture thread.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon, Jacob D. Conner, Kevin R. Whitworth, Ryan T. Woolsey, Fred M. Dickey
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Publication number: 20200093483Abstract: A suture having a first end for penetrating tissue, an elongated suture body having a periphery; a plurality of retainers on the periphery, and a second end having a variable loop of variable circumference, wherein the variable loop includes a fixed loop slidably engaging the elongated body for slidingly varying the circumference of the variable loop, and wherein the first end may pass through the variable loop to secure tissue as an anchor, the anchor preventing movement of the suture in the direction of deployment of the first end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, Lev Drubetsky, William L. D'Agostino, William L. Hunter
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Publication number: 20200060679Abstract: Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 10492780Abstract: A suture having a first end for penetrating tissue, an elongated suture body having a periphery; a plurality of retainers on the periphery, and a second end having a variable loop of variable circumference, wherein the variable loop includes a fixed loop slidably engaging the elongated body for slidingly varying the circumference of the variable loop, and wherein the first end may pass through the variable loop to secure tissue as an anchor, the anchor preventing movement of the suture in the direction of deployment of the first end.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, Lev Drubetsky, William L. D'Agostino, William L. Hunter
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Patent number: 10420546Abstract: Self-retaining suture systems including a suture thread bearing a plurality of laser-cut retainers are disclosed. A laser system allows the creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon, LLCInventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 9955962Abstract: A suture delivery tool releasably secures a self-retaining suture to permit delivery of the self-retaining suture to a surgical site in a patient through an access port. Suture delivery tools are disclosed suitable for manual operation and operation using robotically-assisted surgical systems. In some embodiments, a suture spool is part of a cartridge which is releasably attached to the suture delivery tool. Cartridges is, in some embodiments, replaced after deployment of the self-retaining suture and different cartridges having different self-retaining suture are, in some embodiments, selected and attached to the suture delivery tool as required for a procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon LLCInventors: Rui Avelar, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon
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Publication number: 20170189016Abstract: A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon, Jacob D. Conner, Kevin R. Whitworth, Ryan T. Woolsey, Fred M. Dickey
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Patent number: 9498893Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Herrmann, Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky
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Patent number: 9125647Abstract: A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus. A suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core. A coating can be inserted into the cut associated with the retainer and repulsive or expansive forces result in a pushing out of the cut and distending of the retainers away from the suture core.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Robert A. Herrmann, Lev Drubetsky, Jeffrey Mendel Gross, William L. D'Agostino, Carlos Gonzalez Resendiz
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Patent number: 9044225Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Alexander Naimagon, Gerald F. Cummings, Lev Drubetsky, Robert A. Herrmann
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Publication number: 20150096424Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Robert A. Herrmann, Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky
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Patent number: 8916077Abstract: Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body having a periphery, and a plurality of retainers formed from molten material applied to portions of the periphery. The retainers can extend from and be arranged along at least a segment of the elongated suture body. The retainers can be formed by applying molten material to portions of the periphery of the elongated suture body and cooling the material to form the retainers.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8876865Abstract: Provided herein are sutures for use in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. Some sutures include bi-directional retainers, each of which can be deployed in two directions, but once deployed in one direction, resist motion in the opposite direction. Other sutures include uni-directional retainers that are conical in shape, and include tissue engaging protrusions that extend from edges and/or angled walls of the conical retainers.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8777987Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Herrmann, Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky
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Patent number: 8771313Abstract: Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body and a plurality of heat-contact mediated retainers extending from and along the elongated suture body. The heat-contact mediated retainers can be formed by temporarily contacting the elongated suture body with one or more heated element.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Publication number: 20140039527Abstract: A suture delivery tool releasably secures a self-retaining suture to permit delivery of the self-retaining suture to a surgical site in a patient through an access port. Suture delivery tools are disclosed suitable for manual operation and operation using robotically-assisted surgical systems. In some embodiments, a suture spool is part of a cartridge which is releasably attached to the suture delivery tool. Cartridges is, in some embodiments, replaced after deployment of the self-retaining suture and different cartridges having different self-retaining suture are, in some embodiments, selected and attached to the suture delivery tool as required for a procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Rui Avelar, Lev Drubetsky, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8641732Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a variable-dimension filament which varies in size and/or shape along the length of the filament. The variation in size and/or shape results in a variation in the distribution of filament material from one region of the filament to the next. The filament has retainers formed in the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue. The retainers are formed in a manner that makes use of regions of the filament where additional material is distributed. The resulting self-retaining suture has a greater minimum cross-section than would be created using an equivalent uniform filament. The resulting self-retaining suture consequently has a greater tensile strength. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Alexander Naimagon, Gerald F. Cummings, Lev Drubetsky, Robert A. Herrmann