Ligament Or Tendon Patents (Class 623/13.11)
  • Patent number: 8366770
    Abstract: A biological nerve guide for implantation into a human body is made by providing a natural animal tissue membrane, crosslinking and fixing the membrane, minimizing the antigens from the membrane, tanning the membrane, coupling an active layer to an inner surface of the membrane, cutting the membrane into a desired shape and size, positioning the cut membrane onto a rod-shaped mold so that the cut membrane assumes a cylindrical configuration, and attaching a spiral support to the outer surface of the cut membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Grandhope Biotech Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Guo-Feng Xu
  • Publication number: 20120323323
    Abstract: A micro-alloyed porous metal is disclosed having an optimized chemical composition to achieve targeted mechanical properties for use as an orthopaedic implant and a cell/soft tissue receptor. The porous metal may achieve a targeted compressive strength and a targeted ductility, for example. These targeted mechanical properties may allow the porous metal to be densified to a low relative density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Vargas, Steven J. Seelman
  • Patent number: 8324449
    Abstract: The invention provides acellular tissue matrices made from collagen-containing tissues of animals genetically modified so as to be deficient in the galactose 1,3-galactose epitope and methods of making and using such acellular tissue matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LifeCell Corporation
    Inventors: David J. McQuillan, Edward S. Griffey, Herbert Daniel Beniker, Hui Xu
  • Patent number: 8317862
    Abstract: A method of providing a replacement anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides a tibial tunnel and at least one femoral tunnel for receiving the replacement ligament, the femoral and tibial tunnels not being colinear but rather in an orientation that more closely mimics the natural ACL. The femoral tunnel is formed through the anterior medial portal. A cross pinning guide having a femoral rod for insertion into the femoral tunnel, a spaced apart arc shaped track and a guide block having one or more bores aligned with the femoral rod whereby an instrument inserted through one of the bores creates a pilot hole for the cross pin which intersects the femoral tunnel and an appropriate angle thereof which avoids ligaments and other sensitive tissue can be selected by adjusting the guide block along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Marcus Troger, Jens Agneskirchner
  • Publication number: 20120283829
    Abstract: Cruciate ligament substitutes are formed using fan-folded fascia lata grafts. Devices of making the same and methods of making and using the same are described herein. The fan-folded fascia lata cruciate ligament substitutes disclosed herein are used in a single-loop fashion and have surprisingly exhibited load to failure and stiffness values that compare favorably with conventional grafts, including tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) half-patella specimens. It has been demonstrated that single-loop, fan-folded fascia lata sheets can exhibit mechanical properties that compare favorably with existing cruciate ligament grafts. An apparatus for handling a fascia lata sheet can include a first and a second removable anchoring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: H. Thomas Temple, Theodore I. Malinin, Siu Tung Wu
  • Patent number: 8298284
    Abstract: A whip stitched graft construct and method of formation. The whip stitched graft construct includes a plurality of tendon strand regions or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of the plurality of the tendon strand regions are stitched together by employing multiple suture passes placed according to a whip stitching technique. Preferably, the multiple suture passes start at about the mid length of the plurality of tendon strand regions and are advanced toward one of the free ends of the tendon strands. The whip stitched graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strand regions tied and whip stitched together, and the other region formed of untied segments of the plurality of tendon strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Cassani
  • Patent number: 8298285
    Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph H. Sklar, Harold M. Martins, Richard F. Wenstrom, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120271414
    Abstract: A component for satisfactorily plugging a bone tunnel formed in surgery such as ACL reconstruction by regenerating bone in a space portion of the bone tunnel (e.g., a bone tunnel for an arthroscope), is provided in order to solve the problems in the conventional technologies. The plug component is made of a calcium phosphate-based material, comprises a porous part having a porosity of 50 to 85%, and has a cylindrical shape such that one of its bottom surfaces forms an angle of 30 to 60 degrees to its central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Osamu MASAKI
  • Publication number: 20120259415
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a bioscaffold from natural tissues by oxidizing a decellularized tissue to produce a bioscaffold having pores therein. The pore size and porosity is increased to better accommodate intact cells so that live cells can better infiltrate and inhabit the bioscaffold. The bioscaffold may be freeze-dried or lyophilized, sterilized and (optionally) aseptically packaged for subsequent use. A further aspect of the present invention is a bioscaffold produced by the processes described herein. Methods of treatment using the bioscaffold as a graft or as a biomedical implant for implantation are also provided. Also provided are methods of seeding a bioscaffold with mammalian cells, wherein the seeding carried out either in vitro or in vivo, and wherein a bioscaffold produced as described herein is utilized for said seeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Mark E. Van Dyke, George J. Christ, Patrick W. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 8262730
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and processes to attach or bond hydrogels to suitable surfaces using irradiation techniques and also provides methods and processes to create crosslinked regions in hydrogel articles using these irradiation techniques. Specifically, lasers at wavelengths tuned to the irradiation absorption bands of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups or water may be used to attach or bond hydrogels to surfaces such as soft tissue and hydrogel surfaces or to crosslink regions in hydrogel articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Thomas, Kai Zhang, Garryl Hudgins, Robert Hodorek
  • Publication number: 20120226355
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel split barbed fixation device for tenodesis, soft tissue reattachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. The insertion device is adapted for an entirely arthroscopic approach while achieving fixation strength with ultimate pullout resistance comparable to interference screws. The device includes an integrated tendon grasper that provides for easy manipulation of the tendon arthroscopically while eliminating the need for external whip stitching of the tendon, thereby reducing preparation time. The device further includes elements that prevent the fixation implant from being destabilized or rotating during deployment and manipulation, including: a depth limiting sheath, a first implant retainer, a first implant retaining step, a tendon grasping needle tube, and an implant keyway for mating the implant to the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CAYENNE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin N. Baird
  • Publication number: 20120226354
    Abstract: A method of treating a ligament or tendon according to the present invention can include inserting a tissue-generating implant into the ligament or tendon to thereby treat the defect. The tissue-generating implant has a plurality of microparticles. The microparticles subsequently form a biological scaffold which operates at least as partial connective tissue in the ligament or tendon giving structural support during regrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SPINEOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Neville Alleyne, Stuart Young
  • Publication number: 20120221121
    Abstract: A load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: MOXIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Edward Draper
  • Patent number: 8221455
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for Lisfranc repair using a suture anchor-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a hole in a medial cuneiform and through the second metatarsal base, passing the suture anchor of the suture anchor-button construct through the hole from the medial aspect of the medial cuneiform into the hole in the base of the second metatarsal, screwing the suture anchor into the second metatarsal base, advancing the button of the suture anchor-button construct such that the button rests against the medial aspect of the medial cuneiform, and securing the button against the medial aspect of the medial cuneiform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Shurnas, Jennifer E. Shurnas, legal representative, Lewis H. Freed
  • Publication number: 20120179252
    Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, Enrico Mortarino, David J. Horan
  • Publication number: 20120179253
    Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, Enrico Mortarino, David J. Horan
  • Patent number: 8206445
    Abstract: A method of ligament reconstruction comprising forming a femoral tunnel and a tibial tunnel, forming a plurality of supplemental femoral tunnels through a sidewall of the femoral tunnel, and forming a plurality of supplemental tibial tunnels through a sidewall of the tibial tunnel. The plurality of supplemental femoral tunnels and plurality of supplement tibial tunnels providing a basis for suture material fixation of graft tissue/material over cortical bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ion Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D Dross
  • Patent number: 8202318
    Abstract: A graft construct formed of a plurality of single tendon strands or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of one of the single tendon strands is wrapped around a portion of another of the single tendon strands by employing suturing, for example. The graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strands tied together, and the other region formed of loose segments of the plurality of tendon strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Willobee
  • Patent number: 8192490
    Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cayenne Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin N. Baird, Derek J. Harper, Joe P. Kovalski, Joanne Kovalski, legal representative, Kenneth D. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20120121661
    Abstract: Phosphorus-based coatings having a plurality of phosphate moieties, a plurality of phosphonate moieties, or both, covalently bonded to an oxide surface of an implantable substrate exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is at least about 0.1 nmol/cm2; (b) the phosphorus-based coating has a thickness of less than about 10 nm; or (c) the surface phosphorus-containing group density of the coated regions of the substrate is equal to or greater than the surface hydroxyl group density of the oxide surface of the substrate. Implantable devices embodying the coated substrates are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwartz, Ellen S. Gawalt, Michael J. Avaltroni
  • Patent number: 8177840
    Abstract: A ligament incorporated into a prosthetic joint exhibiting a plasticized, elongated and deformable material. A fibrous material is internally disposed within the deformable material, the fibrous material terminating in first and second enlarged bead portions arranged in proximity to enlarged pocket defined ends associated with the deformable materials. First and second bones define a joint region therebetween, the deformable end pockets and bead portions being inserted through associated holes defined in joint proximate locations associated with the bones, so that actuation of a projection location of the fibrous material causes the bead portions to outwardly deflect the end pockets, resulting in the ligaments being anchored in place between the bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8177839
    Abstract: Bioprosthesis having an implantable braided or woven construct with a plurality of collagen-derived fibers interlocked or interlaced together. The braided or woven constructs can be flexible and resorbable. The braided or woven constructs can have the dynamic flexibility, tensile strength and stiffness suitable for tendon or ligament repairs. The braided or woven construct may be used for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals for Children
    Inventors: Thomas J. Koob, Tian Davis, Douglas Pringle
  • Patent number: 8172901
    Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from in-growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, Enrico Mortarino, David J. Horan
  • Patent number: 8163016
    Abstract: A ligament incorporated into a prosthetic joint exhibiting a plasticized, elongated and deformable material. A fibrous material is internally disposed within the deformable material, the fibrous material terminating in first and second enlarged bead portions arranged in proximity to enlarged pocket defined ends associated with the deformable materials. First and second bones define a joint region therebetween, the deformable end pockets and bead portions being inserted through associated holes defined in joint proximate locations associated with the bones, so that actuation of a projection location of the fibrous material causes the bead portions to outwardly deflect the end pockets, resulting in the ligaments being anchored in place between the bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8162997
    Abstract: A surgical fastener system for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations, includes a first fastener having an elongate body, and an inner pair of openings centered on the long axis of the body. A closed loop stitch passes through the openings, and the length of the stitch corresponds to the depth of a passage defined between the top of a first hole bored through a patient's clavicle, and the bottom of a second hole bored through the coracoid in axial alignment with the first hole. A second fastener has an elongate body arranged to slide under a portion of the loop stitch that protrudes from the top of the hole in the clavicle, after the first fastener is set beneath the coracoid and the stitch is pulled upward through the passage. In an alternate embodiment, the second fastener also has an inner pair of openings for passing and engaging the loop stitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Struhl
  • Patent number: 8147546
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically coupling a soft tissue replacement into a tunnel of a bone are disclosed. The method includes forming a loop of a soft tissue or soft tissue replacement. A pair of prosthetics are coupled to the loop of soft tissue to form an artificial bone-tendon-bone graft. The prosthetics and soft tissue are then placed within a tunnel formed in a bone. The relative position of the prosthetic is then fixed with respect to the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T Stone, Jason D Meridew
  • Publication number: 20120071975
    Abstract: A device and method used to protect at least one end of a severed flexor tendon from contacting the edge of a flexor tendon pulley. The device, in one embodiment, can include a body forming a complete perimeter around at least a portion of a cavity passing through the device. The body of the device includes a first portion that is adapted for insertion through the passage of a flexor tendon pulley, a second portion that adapted funnel the severed flexor tendon into the cavity, and a perforation that extends the length of the body that is adapted to be torn along the length thereof to afford removal of the device from around the previously-severed flexor tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8127770
    Abstract: A method of treating a ligament or tendon according to the present invention can include inserting a tissue-generating implant into the ligament or tendon to thereby treat the defect. The tissue-generating implant has a plurality of microparticles. The microparticles subsequently form a biological scaffold which operates at least as partial connective tissue in the ligament or tendon giving structural support during regrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: SpineOvations, Inc.
    Inventors: Neville Alleyne, Stuart Young
  • Patent number: 8110000
    Abstract: A system for ligament reconstruction includes placing a first jig having a first plurality of drill guide holes on a first bone of the joint, forming two intersecting holes in the first bone using the first plurality of drill guide holes, placing a second jig having a second plurality of drill guide holes on a second bone of the joint, forming a tunnel and a first branch hole and a second branch hole in the second bone using the second plurality of drill guide holes, placing a tendon having sutured ends through the two intersecting holes, extending the sutured ends through the tunnel and through the first and second branch holes so that the first and second ends of the tendon are positioned within the tunnel, and affixing the tendon within the tunnel. The apparatus of this system has specially formed jigs placed over bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Evan D. Collins
  • Patent number: 8106251
    Abstract: The present invention provides tissues derived from animals, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha-1,3-GT). Such tissues can be used in the field of xenotransplantation, such as orthopedic reconstruction and repair, skin repair and internal tissue repair or as medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Revivicor, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ayares, Paul Rohricht
  • Patent number: 8100968
    Abstract: A jamming retainer for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel without excessive sideways pressure on the ligament that may result in tissue necrosis, the jamming retainer including a substantially rigid body with a bore or loop for receiving a ligament or tendon and a bore or ring for receiving a suture for towing the jamming retainer and ligament or tendon through a bone tunnel. Once positioned, the jamming retainer is fixed in the bone tunnel with an interference screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 8100969
    Abstract: Various methods of ligament reconstruction are provided that can include extending a filament from at least one end of a graft having at least two ends, threading the graft through a first aperture in a first bone anchor, using the filament to affix the at least two ends of the graft to a second aperture of a second bone anchor, affixing the first bone anchor in hone, and affixing the second bone anchor in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey D. Hart
  • Publication number: 20110319993
    Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in tendon or ligament tissue engineering. For example, methods and materials for generating a composite of acellular tendon or ligament allograft slices seeded with cells and bundled into a graft for tissue repair are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Chunfeng Zhao, Yu-long Sun, Steven L. Moran, Kai-Nan An, Peter C. Amadio
  • Publication number: 20110319994
    Abstract: An interarticular ligament prosthesis is formed from a plurality of high strength high modulus polymeric fibers. The fibers are independent and free from intrinsic inter-fiber shear coupling found in braided or bonded fibers. The ligament prosthesis is installed with tubular, bone screw anchors. The fibers of the ligament prosthesis pass through the central hole of the anchors and are knotted at one end. The exit holes of the anchors include ceramic eyelets with polished edges. The edges are rounded to a defined radius for desired fatigue life of the prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Slobodan Tepic, Randall Acker
  • Patent number: 8080260
    Abstract: A composition comprising a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix and a macromolecular network which is prepared ex vivo is provided that is useful in the repair of a tissue injury, particularly in repair of tears or gaps between a tendon and a bone, such as in a rotator cuff tear. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix having impregnated therein a macromolecular network of hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages, so that the cross-linked network is interlocked within the extracellular matrix. The resulting HA-incorporated extracellular matrix can be supplied in the form of a patch to reinforce a tissue repair or cover a tissue defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Kathleen Anne Derwin, Joseph Patrick Iannotti, LiKang Chin, Anthony Calabro
  • Patent number: 8062363
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tendon repair includes an elongated member of a generally tubular shape having two barbed sections with oppositely directed barbs and a middle portion between the barbed sections. The barbs are cut from the tubular body leaving a mesh-like body of interconnected struts. The middle portion is also formed of interconnected struts. A needle and suture is connected at both opposite ends of the elongated member and used to pull the barbed sections into respective ends of a severed tendon. The barbs bite into the tendon tissue to hold the ends together. The sutures are preferably cut off at the tendon surface at a location spaced from the rejoined ends. One or more of the tendon repair devices may be used to repair each tendon, optionally with perimeter stitching at the rejoined ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Xircon Limited
    Inventors: Kieran Hirpara, Niall Quinn
  • Publication number: 20110282448
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Leon Paulos, Mengyan Li, Daniel Hernandez, Thomas J. Koob
  • Publication number: 20110282447
    Abstract: Medical delivery devices include a needle and a flexible compressible impermeable tube attached to the needle. The compressible tube has an open interior channel. The device is adapted to releasably hold a length of a medical implant in the open interior channel of the tube. The medical implant can be slidably inserted into the interior channel of the tube and is loosely held by the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Mei Niu, Daniel Hernandez, Thomas J. Koob
  • Publication number: 20110276137
    Abstract: A surgical cord (100, 200,101)comprising a tubular section along its main length and comprising regions (600, 608, 601) exhibiting different mechanical and/or physical properties resultant from a change in material, pattern type, pattern density, yarn thickness and/or shape. Different regions along the length of the cord are optimised to provide the required extensibility, abrasion resistance and/or stiffness. A tissue core (904) may be incorporated within the tubular cord structure and a means of indicating the tensile loading force applied to the cord may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Bahaa Seedhom, David Beevers
  • Patent number: 8052753
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor (36) including a central layer (1) through which embedded fibers (2), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (4), a ‘deep’ surface membrane (7) which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a ‘superficial’ surface membrane (8) which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer (1) is positioned intermediate the surface membranes (7, 8) which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor (36) to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: University Of Cincinnati
    Inventor: David Boyd Melvin
  • Patent number: 8048079
    Abstract: An instrument for retrograde cutting of sockets or tunnels in bone for arthroscopic tenodesis. A retrograde cutter is used to form a recipient site socket from the inside out, i.e., using a retrograde technique, with minimal incisions of distal cortices and reduced intraarticular bone fragmentation of tunnel rims. The retrograde cutter is provided with a cutting blade that is configured to engage the shaft of the instrument and to lock onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Iannarone
  • Patent number: 8048157
    Abstract: Measuring devices and methods of determining the appropriate graft length for reconstructive surgery, for example for an all-inside ACL reconstruction ligament repair. The measuring device accurately determines the graft length based on the total length between the femoral and tibial tunnels (sockets) plus the intraarticular space between them. The measuring device may comprise two small, cannulated beads (preferably polished metal) and three strands (for example, three suture strands). The beads may have a diameter of about 5 mm and the three sutures may preferably have distinct and different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo Albertorio
  • Patent number: 8034090
    Abstract: A method for securing a graft to a bone includes forming a tunnel in the bone, positioning the graft in the tunnel, and securing the graft in the tunnel with an anchor. The method also includes attaching a distal end of an elongated anchor sleeve to a proximal end of the anchor and inserting a pre-compressed harvested bone material having a cruciate cross-section through the anchor sleeve into to a bore defined in the anchor. The bore has a mating cruciate cross-section. The method also includes removing the anchor sleeve after inserting the bone material into the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T. Stone, H. Gene Hawkins, Zachary M. Hoffman, Gregory J. Denham, Troy M. Walters, Ryan A. Kaiser, Jason D. Meridew
  • Patent number: 8034083
    Abstract: An artificial ligament assembly for spinal stabilization includes an outer hollow elastic longitudinal member, a rigid inner member, a bone anchor mechanism, a bone anchor, and a buffered space. The artificial ligament assembly further includes a clamp that controls a torsional motion of the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member with respect to the bone anchor mechanism. The outer hollow elastic longitudinal member is at least as long as the inner rigid member. The rigid inner member is configured in a substantially same shape as the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor mechanism is coupled to the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor connector may further include an insert end. The bone anchor is coupled to the bone anchor mechanism. The buffered space allows any of a compression and an extension of the bone anchor mechanism inside the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud F. Abdelgany, YoungHoon Oh
  • Publication number: 20110238178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue repair scaffold comprising a secondary fibre bundle, the secondary fibre bundle comprising a plurality of primary fibre bundles, each primary fibre bundle comprising a plurality of fibres, wherein the fibres comprise a biocompatible polymer. In embodiments the biocompatible polymer is polycaprolactone (PCL) (also known as poly-?-caprolactone) and the average diameter of the fibres is less than 1 ?m. The scaffold is particularly adapted for tendon repair. In vivo mouse studies demonstrate that tendon repair can be achieved with normal ambulation returning after 24-48 hours. The scaffolds were easy to handle during surgery, being non-slippery and easy to suture in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Sandra Downes, Lucy Ann Bosworth
  • Publication number: 20110224702
    Abstract: A tendon repair implant for treatment of a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic means that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: CRAIG VAN KAMPEN, Nathaniel Zenz-Olson, Thomas A. Westling, Charles L. Euteneuer
  • Patent number: 8016883
    Abstract: Interposition and augmentation devices for tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using arthroscopic methods. The devices are preferably derived from biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates, and preferably from copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. The devices may be delivered arthroscopically, and offer additional benefits such as support for the surgical repair, high initial strength, prolonged strength retention in vivo, flexibility, anti-adhesion properties, improved biocompatibility, an ability to remodel in vivo to healthy tissue, minimal risk for disease transmission or to potentiate infection, options for fixation including sufficiently high strength to prevent suture pull out or other detachment of the implanted device, eventual absorption eliminating future risk of foreign body reactions or interference with subsequent procedures, competitive cost, and long-term mechanical stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Struan Coleman, David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Ajay Ahuja, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 8012174
    Abstract: A system and method for soft tissue to bone repair employing at least one suture anchor combined with at least one knotless fixation device. The method for soft tissue to bone fixation includes: (i) providing a first medial row constructed with a first plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the first plurality of fixation devices is an anchor; and (ii) providing a second lateral row constructed with a second plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the second plurality of fixation devices is a knotless fixation device, and suture or tape or allograft/biological component extending over the soft tissue and secured in place by the anchors in the first and second medial rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal S. ElAttrache, James E. Tibone
  • Patent number: 8002778
    Abstract: A method for securing a soft tissue replacement in a bone tunnel includes forming a first and second tunnel in the bone. The second tunnel intersects the first tunnel and defines a first and second access passage. A first flexible member is passed through the tunnel and includes a first end extending out of the first passage, an intermediate portion supporting the soft tissue replacement and a second end extending out of the second passage. The first end of the first flexible member is fastened to an insertion member. A crosspin is positioned between the first passage and the insertion member. The second end of the first flexible member is advanced until a distal portion of the crosspin advances into the first access passage. The insertion member is impacted thereby pushing the crosspin into an engaged position with the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventor: Jason D Meridew
  • Publication number: 20110184227
    Abstract: An implantable device for use in tissue and ligament repair comprising at least one knitted section and at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one knitted section, the at least one single continuous fiber forming a plurality of traverses extending through the at least one knitted section. The implantable device may comprise at least one single continuous silk fiber. The implantable device is suitable for use in a variety or reconstructive or support applications such as breast reconstruction, mastoplexy, breast augmentation revision, breast augmentation support, standard breast augmentation, chest wall repair, organ support, body contouring, abdominoplasty, facial reconstruction, hernia repair, and pelvic floor repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, Enrico Mortarino