Patents Examined by Megan Wolf
  • Patent number: 8821570
    Abstract: Annuloplasty rings are employed to treat heart valve defects, such as regurgitation. Synching the heart tissue to the ring restores the valve opening to its approximate original size and operating efficiency. Adjustable annuloplasty rings allow for a proper degree of synching both during open heart surgery and over the patient's lifetime. A subcutaneous port may be coupled to an adjustable annuloplasty ring such that an external activation energy generator can be used to heat the adjustable annuloplasty ring and thereby adjust the size of the annuloplasty ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: MiCardia Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. DuMontelle, Maurice Buchbinder, Samuel M. Shaolian, Ninh H. Dang, Paul A. Molloy, Ross Tsukashima, Brian C. Gray, Daniel C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8801799
    Abstract: An implant is provided for replacing the proximal portion of a femur having a substantially intact natural femoral neck and a lateral side opposite the femoral neck, with a bore extending from the femoral neck through a lateral side of the femur. The implant comprises a sleeve having a flange for engaging a proximally facing resected surface of the neck surrounding the bore in the femur and having a bore with an inwardly tapered conical portion. A shaft member having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end is placed in the bore through the femur. The shaft member has an intermediate conically tapered male portion for coupling to the conically tapered bore of the sleeve and a proximal end having a conically tapered portion. A head member having a distal end and a proximal substantially-spherical portion and a tapered recess is configured for positioning in a natural or prosthetic hip socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Theodore Crofford, Michael Santarella
  • Patent number: 8795361
    Abstract: Each of an osteochondral plug graft and a kit comprises a trapezoid shaped construct configured for osteochondral implanting. An osteochondral regeneration method comprises forming a recipient socket in a chondral area of an articular joint in need of repair; harvesting a trapezoid shaped graft from another chondral area; and implanting the trapezoid shaped graft into the recipient socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H Nycz, Keith M Kinnane, Susan J Drapeau, Daniel A Shimko, Jeetendra S Bharadwaj
  • Patent number: 8753401
    Abstract: A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Subchondral Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Dee
  • Patent number: 8747479
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a tibial component having shock absorbing features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. McShane, Donald J. Hackman
  • Patent number: 8728148
    Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material having proximal and distal ends and anterior and posterior sides. The prosthesis may include at least a first and a second fenestration. The first and second fenestrations may be spaced from one another circumferentially around the tubular body. The prosthesis may include at least one first diameter reducing tie positioned circumferentially on the posterior side of the prosthesis and engaging at least a circumferential segment of the posterior side to restrain the engaged segment from expansion. The prosthesis may include at least one second diameter reducing tie positioned circumferentially between the first and second fenestrations on the anterior side of the prosthesis and engaging at least a circumferential segment of the anterior side to restrain the engaged segment from expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Blayne A. Roeder, Megan Bube
  • Patent number: 8721727
    Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Yves-Alain Ratron, Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 8709091
    Abstract: A tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and a bottom surface. A keel of the tibial insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the platform. A surgical method for knee anthroplasty is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: James Matthew Rhodes, Jordan Soonja Lee
  • Patent number: 8679188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to universal liner assemblies for use during hip joint replacement surgeries. The universal liners allow the surgeon a greater degree of selection of liners and shells, without being tied to typical liner/shell connections based on material connection constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Shea, Vincent W. Shotton, David C. Kelman
  • Patent number: 8668739
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant that may be used to repair and/or replace focal defects in an individual's articular cartilage. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a unitary orthopedic implant that includes a bone contacting layer and an articulating layer. In exemplary embodiments, the bone contacting layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the articulating layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. As a result, the orthopedic implant may have an overall thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Blanchard, Erin Johnson, Michael Hawkins, Hallie Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8668743
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis, system and method has a dual bearing component that, along with first and second bone anchoring components, provides multi-axial movement separately with respect to both the first and second bone anchoring components. An ankle prosthesis, system and method may thus be fashioned utilizing these principles that includes a dual bearing component, a tibial component adapted for attachment to the tibia bone, and a talar component adapted for attachment to the talus or calceneus bone of the foot. The dual bearing component includes a superior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the tibial component, and an inferior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the talar component. A bearing component plate provides a base or foundation for the superior and inferior bearings. The superior bearing is bonded to the bearing component plate while the inferior bearing moves with respect to the bearing component plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Adam D. Perler
  • Patent number: 8657881
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating meniscal tissue damage are disclosed, including a biocompatible meniscal repair device comprising a biocompatible tissue repair scaffold and a cell growth conduit flap. The tissue repair scaffold is adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in the meniscus and can preferably provide a structure for supporting meniscal tissue and/or encouraging tissue growth. The cell growth conduit flap, which is attached to the tissue repair scaffold, allows communication between the synovium and the tissue repair scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Stephanie M. Kladakis, Steven M. Bowman, Robert R. Steckel
  • Patent number: 8652211
    Abstract: Modular toe joint implant is a multi-piece device. Various sized piece(s), for example, head(s) and stem(s), can be provided in a kit or separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gerald J. Jerry, Jr., Louis A. Serafin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8641773
    Abstract: An intramedullary implant for mounting within an intramedullary canal of a bone is disclosed. The intramedullary implant includes a lower stem portion, an upper stem portion, and a modular sleeve body. The modular sleeve body is connected to one of the lower stem portion or the upper stem portion. The sleeve body includes an inner portion that covers at least a segment of the upper stem portion and has one or more longitudinally extending bone engagement members for engagement with the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Alisha W. Bergin, Jerry L. Jones, David C. Kelman, Richard D. Lambert, Terry W. McLean
  • Patent number: 8623095
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of morbid obesity by placement of a series of flow reduction elements in the small intestine to induce satiety are disclosed. The flow reduction elements restrict the movement of partially digested food and reduce the flow rate through the small intestine which causes the emptying of the stomach and the duodenum to occur slower. The flow reduction elements are attached to an elongated tube and are constructed from various shapes and configurations. The flow reduction elements may be inflated with fluid or may be constructed from self-expandable materials. The device is anchored in the antrum of the stomach with an anchoring member. The transoral gastric device can be inserted with a delivery catheter through the working lumen of an endoscope or alongside an endoscope and may be removed with the aid of an endoscope if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Endosphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Binmoeller
  • Patent number: 8617238
    Abstract: A transluminal cardiac valve includes an expandable generally tubular cage including when expanded a generally uniform central region, first and second ends each diametrically constricted relative to the central region, a blood impervious region extending from the first end of the cage to within the generally uniform central region, and an inflatable plunger freely disposed and captured within the cage when inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Palmaz Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio C. Palmaz
  • Patent number: 8603186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices that help to curb appetite and/or reduce food intake. In one embodiment, the methods and devices of the present invention include a small intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Endosphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Binmoeller
  • Patent number: 8585771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Endosphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Binmoeller, Matthew Yurek, Zhenyong Keck, James T. McKinley
  • Patent number: 8540775
    Abstract: In order to improve a modular implant part for replacing a part of a natural knee joint with an implant component comprising a shaft extending away from the implant component and a connecting device for connecting the shaft to the implant component such that the shaft is adapted to be fixed to the implant component in a multiplicity of desired positions in a simple manner, it is proposed that the connecting device be formed in such a manner that, in a mounting disposition, the shaft is adapted to be moved into different translatory positions by a translatory movement in a direction transverse or substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis, and that, in an implantation disposition, the shaft is adapted to be fixed immovably to the implant component in one of the different translatory positions. Furthermore, an improved knee joint prosthesis is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Jan Reich, Uwe Idler
  • Patent number: 8529632
    Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty implant (11) joint replacement for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint is created which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics. The implant (11) has a unique head section (13) creating a particular interrelation between a spherical head articular surface (19), that is received in a surgically prepared cavity in the trapezium, wherein a supporting neck (21) in a re-entrant region joins the head to a flat, generally oblong collar (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Joseph P. Ritz, Monti R. Gourley, Ashley Degrood