Patents Assigned to Dow Corning Wright Corporation
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Patent number: 5282805Abstract: According to the invention there is provided surgical instrumentation for implanting an orthopedic prosthesis comprising a handle having opposed longitudinal ends and a head assembly situated at one end of the handle. The head assembly includes an external impact surface for transmitting force to an orthopedic instrument or prosthesis. A spring and sliding shaft arrangement are disposed within the head assembly for dampening the force from the impact surface. The head assembly is adjustable for varying the force absorbed by the spring and sliding shaft arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1991Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Marc E. Richelsoph, Kenneth W. Russell
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Patent number: 5146933Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an implantable prosthetic device inflatable by a self-contained resealable valve in combination with an external locator for determining the position of the valve. The prosthesis includes a flexible outer envelope defining a closed lumen and having a valve attached to an area of the envelope with indicia on the valve responsive to the external locator for determining the position of the valve. A plurality of spaced sensors are each fixedly arrayed on the locator so that when the sensors are in a certain non-juxtaposed relationship with the indicia the sensors orientate with one another, signifying a true location of the valve. A multi-compartmental design having a tethered valve for selective inflation of an inner lumen is also disclosed. The tissue-contacting surface of the outer envelope is micro-textured to minimize tissue capsule contracture.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Lawrence M. Boyd
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Patent number: 5135483Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprises an elongated flexible jacket having opposed proximal and distal ends and a central passageway extending between the ends. A working head is located at the distal end, including a canalizing tip and a bearing for rotatably supporting the tip on the working head to remove occlusions from the lumen of a vessel. A drive cable extends through the central passageway and has a driving portion operatively located adjacent the distal end and a driven portion for releasably engaging the working head located opposite the driving portion. A power-driven motor is coupled to the driven end for rotating the cable. The jacket segments are disconnected and the canalizing tip removed with the drive cable from the catheter and replaced with a guide wire which is inserted through the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1991Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Erik J. Wagner, Vincent J. Jannetty
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Patent number: 5135529Abstract: The present invention provides a modular hip prosthesis, and instrumentation for implanting the same, which has provision for varying the angulation between the stem portion and the trochanteral module portion by provision of connection means between the neck and stem which can be positioned or attached together in a variety of rotational positions. Variation of the angulation or anteversion is made possible in accordance with the present invention by virtue of the fact that the axis of the connection portion of the stem and neck is angularly offset from the axis of the body of the stem and neck, respectively. A further aspect of this invention is the provision of instrumention for formation of a cavity for implantation of a prosthesis of this invention which is provided with indication means for indicating to the surgeon the optimum angle for assembly of the prosthesis of invention for implantation into a particular proximal femur.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Robert D. Paxson, Carl M. Stamp
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Patent number: 5100409Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a trial implant comprising a modular bracket defining a structure having an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of a resected femur bone and an external surface with a shape resembling the normal distal condyle of the femur. The bracket has an elongated central opening appointed to expose the resected bone of the femur, including a pair of tracks for guiding a tool along a predetermined path for controlled shaping of a patellar groove in the bone exposed through the opening. A replaceable insert covers the opening and articulates with a proximal aspect of the tibia during interoperative trial reduction of the knee joint, whereby prior removal of the bracket from the resected bone is unnecessary following shaping of the patellar groove. Preferably, the insert and guide tracks cooperate together to securely position the insert within the opening during trial reduction. A surgical method is also provided using the described trial implant guide.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1991Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Bradley J. Coates, Leo A. Whiteside
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Patent number: 5098436Abstract: Modular surgical instrumentation and a method of using same is provided, according to the invention. The instrumentation comprises a first bracket defining a generally U-shaped structure having an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of a resected femur bone and an elongated central opening appointed to expose a selected area of the resected femur, including a curved track for guiding a first shaping tool along a predetermined path for controlled shaping of a curved patellar groove in a portion of the selected area exposed through the opening. A second bracket defines a linear slotted bore extending generally parallel to the long axis of the femur for guiding a second shaping tool to form a relatively deep recess accommodating an intercondylar stabilizing housing of a knee implant.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1991Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Joseph M. Ferrante, Leo A. Whiteside, Bradley J. Coates
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Patent number: 5059196Abstract: There is described a surgical tool and method for implanting a condylar prosthesis onto a femur using the tool. The prosthesis is of the type having a pair of posterior condyles which define an intercondylar notch opening including a distal internal contact surface extending anteriorly from the notch toward an anterior condylar flange. The tool comprises an elongated handle having a proximal end adapted for contact with the prosthesis and a distal end with an anvil for driving the prosthesis onto the distal aspect of the resected femur. One or more arms are attached to the proximal end of the shaft, including one or more anteriorly projecting fingers which are moved within the notch to engage the proximal internal contact surface. A pair of abutment pads are actuated to engage an external surface of the proximal condyle and exert a force opposite to the gripping finger(s) to securely lock and hold the prosthesis and tool together during implantation.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1991Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Bradley J. Coates
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Patent number: 5049124Abstract: A catheter having a distal working head carried by a tubular sheath. A bearing fixed to the tubular sheath forms fluid delivery passageways in fluid communications with the center of the sheath. The fluid delivery passageways open into a vessel via radially extending ports that open out into the vessel through an end face of the bearing.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1991Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
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Patent number: 5035249Abstract: A tissue expander and a method of making a tissue expander which includes (a) a fluid-tight envelope which is inflatable by a single means for inflation and which has an expandable upper section formed of (i) a first elastic portion and (ii) a second elastic portion formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the first portion, so that during the inflation of said envelope the modulus of elasticity of each portion at least partially controls the amount of expansion of each portion, thereby allowing the envelope to assume a complex shape. The tissue expander also has a means for inflating the envelope with a biocompatible fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1989Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Gordon H. Sasaki, Eugene R. Jakubczak, John R. D. Gauger
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Patent number: 5019104Abstract: A composite metal/plastic patellar prosthesis for implantation in the human body to replace the articulating surface of the patella is provided. The prosthesis includes a polymeric articulating surface portion and a metal backing having an anterior surface adapted to be attached to the posterior surface of a resected patella, and a dome or conically shaped posterior surface to which the polymeric articulating surface portion is heat and pressure molded. The metal backing portion has at least one aperture extending therethrough which has a greater cross-sectional area on the anterior side than on the posterior side into which an anchoring peg integral with the antrior surface of the polymeric articulating surface portion is molded. The metal and plastic components of the composite are coextensive in size and shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1990Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Leo A. Whiteside, Bradley J. Coates
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Patent number: 5002545Abstract: The present invention provides a shaping guide to permit accurate shaping of the tibial plateau while saving the anterior cruciate ligament. An alignment rod is located anterior to the anterior cruciate ligament and along the anterior cortex of the intermedullary canal of the tibia provides points of reference for all shaping operations. The shaping guide of the present invention is adjustable with respect to the handle portion of the rod so that the amount of resection of the tibial plateau can be controlled readily by the surgeon by raising or lowering of the cutting guide surfaces for resection of the tibia.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1989Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Leo A. Whiteside, Carl M. Stamp
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Patent number: 5002581Abstract: The present invention provides a modular hip prosthesis, and instrumentation for implanting the same, which has provision for varying the angulation between the stem portion and the trochanteral module portion by provision of connection means between the neck and stem which can be positioned or attached together in a variety of rotational positions. Variation of the angulation or anteversion is made possible in accordance with the present invention by virtue of the fact that the axis of the connection portion of the stem and neck is angularly offset from the axis of the body of the stem and neck, respectively. A further aspect of this invention is the provision of instrumentation for formation of a cavity for implantation of a prosthesis of this invention which is provided with indication means for indicating to the surgeon the optimum angle for assembly of the prosthesis of invention for implantation into a particular proximal femur.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1989Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Robert D. Paxson, Carl M. Stamp
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Patent number: 4992312Abstract: A method of making a permeation-resistant silicone elastomer-containing laminate useful for making fluid-containing implants such as mammary prostheses and gastric balloons. The method is accomplished by (a) applying a layer of an unvulcanized heat-curable silicone elastomer composition to a cured silicone elastomer substrate, (b) applying a layer of a solvent dispersion of a permeation-resistant elastomer and a solvent on the layer of unvulcanized silicone elastomer composition to form a three-layered laminate, and (c) exposing the three-layered laminate to heat until the unvulcanized silicone elastomer composition is vulcanized.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Eldon E. Frisch
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Patent number: 4892544Abstract: A method of forming hollow, porous elastomeric bodies and hollow, duo-layered elastomeric bodies wherein one layer is porous and contiguous with the other layer which is solid by (a) coating a surface of a mandrel with a coating liquid, (b) adhering a layer of water-elutable particles onto the coated mandrel surface, (c) applying a layer of fluid elastomer composition to the particle-coated mandrel surface wherein the elastomeric composition is capable of forming a water-insoluble elastomer, (d) causing said elastomeric composition to form a cohesive mass while in contact with the particle-coated mandrel surface, (e) dissolving said elutable particles from the cohesvie mass with a water-based solvent, and (f) removing the cohesive mass from the mandrel. The coating liquid comprises water and may also further comprise a wetting agent and/or a sugar. The invention also relates to the method wherein the water-elutable particles are adhered to the mandrel surface by heating the mandrel surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Eldon E. Frisch
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Patent number: 4841992Abstract: A tissue expander and a method of making a tissue expander which includes (a) a fluid-tight envelope which is inflatable by a single means for inflation and which has an expandable upper section formed (i) a first elastic portion and (ii) a second elastic portion formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the first portion, so that during the inflation of said envelope the modulus of elasticity of each portion at least partially controls the amount of expansion of each portion, thereby allowing the envelope to assume a complex shape. The tissue expander also has a means for inflating the envelope with a biocompatible fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Gordon H. Sasaki, Eugene R. Jakubczak, John R. D. Gauger
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Patent number: 4759767Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing the proximal end of a tibia, installable without bone cement which includes a tibial plateau portion adapted to receive an articulation insert. Integral with the underside of the plateau is an intermedullary fixation stem to which is attached a medial-lateral fin. Attached to each end of the fin is a transverse fin which provides a dual "T" configuration, which provides superior anchoring of the prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1987Date of Patent: July 26, 1988Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: James A. Lacey
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Patent number: 4751926Abstract: An instrument for subcutaneously inserting an injection reservoir attached to an inflatable prosthesis by means of an elongated fluid conduit is disclosed. The instrument has a hollowed end which holds the injection reservoir to be inserted in a mating, releasable fashion and that end is attached to a handle for guiding the hollowed end to the desired site. Desirably, but optionally, the end of the handle of the instrument is provided with a shaped tapered portion to act as a dilator to create a subcutaneous pocket prior to insertion of the injection reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1986Date of Patent: June 21, 1988Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventor: Gordon H. Sasaki
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Patent number: 4722330Abstract: The present invention relates to a distal femoral surface shaping guide for mounting on an intramedullary alignment guide which references the central long axis of the femur in shaping the distal femoral surface and a method for shaping the distal femur using that shaping guide. The alignment guide of the present invention is adjustable relative to the surface of the anterior femoral cortex to insure that the anterior aspect of the distal femoral condyles is resected relative to that surface and, preferably, at the same level as that surface. The alignment guide of the present invention provides a main body which remains attached to the intramedullary alignment guide throughout the entire shaping of the distal femur. It thus requires fewer cutting guides and alignment steps than other shaping guides while allowing greater accuracy in shaping the distal femur relative to the central long axis of the femur.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1986Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Russell, Leo A. Whiteside
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Patent number: 4721104Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical apparatus for providing an accurately placed recess in a distal femoral surface for the intercondylar stabilizing housing of a posterior-stabilized knee implant prosthesis which apparatus comprises (a) a template having (1) a bottom surface which is adapted to be placed in an aligning relationship with the flat surface of a distal femur which has been partially shaped to receive the femoral component of a posterior-stabilized knee implant prosthesis and (2) a U-shaped slot passing through the template where the slot is of substantially the same size and shape as the outer periphery of the intercondylar stabilizing housing present on the femoral component to be implanted and (b) a drilling means, preferably in the form of an end-mill cutter, having a stop means thereon and the drilling means closely engages the sides of the U-shaped slot in the template so that the drilling means can be passed through the U-shaped slot until the stop means contacts a surface of the gType: GrantFiled: December 2, 1985Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Michael E. Kaufman, Leo A. Whiteside
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Patent number: 4714477Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint prosthesis, e.g. a hip joint prosthesis, which comprises an outer shell element, a ball component, and a replaceable bearing insert element positioned between the shell and the ball component. The bearing insert has a generally spherical inside surface which encompasses more than half of the ball component to thereby retain it. The insert has an outside surface shaped to mate with the inside surface of the shell, and the shell element and the insert element have a locking mechanism consisting of a protruding portion which extends a major distance around a side surface of one element which locks into a mating depression in the other element.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1986Date of Patent: December 22, 1987Assignee: Dow Corning Wright CorporationInventors: Alfred J. Fichera, Samuel J. Chiarizzio