Patents Examined by Mark F. Colosimo
  • Patent number: 4741330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring and manipulating cartilage within a joint during arthroscopic surgery by piercing the cartilage with a hollow needle, in the tip of which is lodged an elongate anchoring device having a suture attached thereto. The free end of the suture passes through the bore of a hollow tube, positioned within the hollow needle behind the anchoring device, and the tube is used to push the anchoring device out of the needle tip behind the cartilage to be anchored, the anchoring device lodging in or beyond the cartilage at a non-parallel angle to the suture and thereby anchoring the suture to the cartilage. The needle and tube may be withdrawn and the cartilage manipulated by appropriate tension on the suture. In one embodiment the anchoring device may be held in the tip of the hollow needle in a deformed condition from which it resiliently resumes its usual elongate shape upon expulsion from the hollow needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: John O. Hayhurst
  • Patent number: 4739751
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the permanent surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the human knee, which will stabilize the tibia and femur relative to each other and restore a full range of motion to the knee, by precisely locating the ends and angular relationship of a replacement ligament within the knee joint, at bone attachment sites such that the degree of shortening and lengthening experienced by the replacement ligament over the range of joint motion is either as close to zero (isometric) as possible, or closely matches that of the natural uninjured ligament (physometric), whichever the surgeon feels is most desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Temple University
    Inventors: Alexander A. Sapega, Ray A. Moyer, Donald Rose
  • Patent number: 4739750
    Abstract: The rasp combines a handle (1) and a toothed blade (2) made up of two relatively movable parts (3, 4). The part (4) is moved transversely relative to the part (3) by means of a screw (5), thereby enabling a surgeon to modify the width of the blade (2) so that it matches the width of a prosthesis which is to be put into place.Surgical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventors: Andre Masse, Christian Malet
  • Patent number: 4735210
    Abstract: An improved method for lymphoscintigraphy or magnetic resonance lymphography involves subtraction of a negative image produced using a gross imaging agent from a positive image produced with a specific antibody imaging agent. Another embodiment of the invention uses an antibody to lymphatic tissue as an imaging agent for lymphatics. A further embodiment uses a magnetic resonance image enhancing agent for magnetic resonance lymphography. Yet another embodiment uses labeled antibodies against organ antigens for scintigraphic and magnetic resonance organ imaging.Reagents and kits for use in the foregoing method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Immunomedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Melton D. Goldenberg