Patents by Inventor Darin C. Gittings

Darin C. Gittings 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).

  • Patent number: 11272925
    Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: THE FOUNDRY, LLC
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, Doug Sutton, Vivek Shenoy
  • Patent number: 10588614
    Abstract: A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Foundry, LLC
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Michael Hendricksen, Vivek Shenoy, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Stephen Boyd
  • Publication number: 20190374222
    Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, Doug Sutton, Vivek Shenoy
  • Patent number: 10383624
    Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Foundry, LLC
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, Doug Sutton, Vivek Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20170325853
    Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Michael L. Reo, Janine C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9597125
    Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, INC.
    Inventor: Darin C. Gittings
  • Publication number: 20170020505
    Abstract: A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Michael Hendricksen, Vivek Shenoy, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Stephen Boyd
  • Patent number: 9463010
    Abstract: A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The Foundry, LLC
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Michael Hendricksen, Vivek Shenoy, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Stephen Boyd
  • Patent number: 9381098
    Abstract: Described are tools—including distractor, trial, chisel, and inserter—that may be used as a system for implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc in a spine. The distractor moves vertebrae and may have angled forks optionally offset for visibility with removable jaws optionally matching desired lordotic angles. The trial tool(s) may fit within the distractor forks, include a lordotic angle, and may include a disc portion, an adjustable stop, and a feature to control movement of the disc portion relative to the adjustable stop. The chisel tool cuts grooves in the vertebral bodies, which grooves affix the disc to the vertebrae. The chisel(s) may fit within openings in the trial, where those openings also serve as a guide during the groove-cutting step. The inserter tool, optionally with a movable pusher, is used for inserting the prosthetic disc into the prepared intervertebral disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SPINAL KINETICS, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Frank Fellenz, Jeffrey J. Dolin, Janine C. Robinson, Daren L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20150320413
    Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, Doug Sutton, Vivek Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20150265415
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Michael L. Reo, Janine C. Robinson, John E. Ashley, Nicholas C. Koske, Roxanne L. Richman, Elizabeth V. Wistrom, Uriel Hiram Chee
  • Publication number: 20140031863
    Abstract: A knotless suture anchoring system includes an outer anchor having a central channel and a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. An inner anchor is positionable in the central channel of the outer anchor and a locking feature on one or both of the inner and outer anchors retains the inner anchor within the central channel. A continuous length of suture is coupled with the inner and outer suture anchors and has a free end. At least one of the inner and the outer anchors also has a cinching mechanism that allows the suture to be tensioned by passage of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a first direction while movement of the suture through the cinching mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction is constrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Foundry Newco XI, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Mark Deem, Michael Hendricksen, Vivek Shenoy, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Stephen Boyd
  • Publication number: 20130345746
    Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Foundry Newco XI, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin C. GITTINGS, Mark E. DEEM, Hanson GIFFORD, Doug SUTTON, Vivek SHENOY
  • Patent number: 8545535
    Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for knotless anchoring of sutures to repair bodily tissue are disclosed. These devices allow sutures to be anchored to bone or other tissues, and more specifically provide a suture anchor which eliminates the need for the operator to knot the suture to secure the suture under tension. Thus, damaged tissue may be re-attached to a substrate tissue. The anchors have a minimum of moving parts and find particular utility in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, e.g. labral re-attachment, rotator cuff repair, and similar procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Foundry Newco XI, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hirotsuka, Michael Hendricksen, Darin C. Gittings, John Morriss
  • Publication number: 20130226241
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for the correction of spinal deformities with the use one or more implantable rods configured to apply a corrective force to the spine. Methods of minimally invasive implantation of a corrective system are provided, such as where the corrective system is attached only to the spinous process of one or more vertebral bodies. Various corrective systems as well as components thereof are also provided, such as those that allow limited movement with respect to the spinal column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Reduction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Thompson, Hiram Chee, Richard Ginn, Darin C. Gittings, Ivan Sepetka, David White
  • Patent number: 8518062
    Abstract: An anastomosis device has first and second components which each having first and second parts. The first and second components are magnetically attracted to one another. The device forms a throughhole when in use. The first parts of the first and second components are positioned radially outward from the second parts relative to the longitudinal axis with the first parts of the first and second components contacting one another and being magnetically attracted to one another. The second parts of the first and second components also being magnetically attracted to one another and are separated by the vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Cole, Darin C. Gittings, Stephen L. Olson, Dean F. Carson, Michael L. Reo, Keke Lepulu, A. Adam Sharkawy
  • Patent number: 8512360
    Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood and a target vessel. A conduit includes first portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber, and a second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel having a lumen, such as coronary artery. The first and second conduit portions are transverse to each other such that the conduit is generally T-shaped. The conduit lies on an exterior of the heart between the blood source and the target vessel and is configured to deliver blood in multiple directions into the lumen of the target vessel. For example, in an occluded coronary artery, blood flows both toward and away from the occlusion. The conduit may be flexible, rigid, collapsible or non-collapsible, and may be formed of synthetic vascular graft material, tissue, or a combination of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Adam Sharkawy, Dean F. Carson, Darin C. Gittings, Keke J. Lepulu, Mark J. Foley, Wally S. Buch, Alan R. Rapacki
  • Patent number: 8377138
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Kinetics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Reo, Darin C. Gittings
  • Publication number: 20120109318
    Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Michael L. Reo, Janine C. Robinson, John E. Ashley, Nicholas C. Koske, Roxanne L. Richman, Elizabeth V. Wistrom, Uriel Hiram Chee
  • Publication number: 20120004589
    Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering conduits into the wall of a patient's heart to communicate a coronary vessel with a heart chamber. The devices are passed through the coronary vessel and the heart wall to place the conduit and establish a blood flow path between the vessel and the heart chamber. Additional devices and methods are provided for removing tissue from a coronary vessel or the heart wall to establish a flow path between the coronary vessel in communication with the heart chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Alan R. Rapacki, Darin C. Gittings, Gilbert S. Laroya, Mark J. Foley