Patents by Inventor Dennis E. Van Epps

Dennis E. Van Epps 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: 11844878
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Publication number: 20230277725
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides dermal fillers comprising hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels. The hydrogels are coacervates formed through ionic interactions between anionic polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid, and cationic polysaccharides, such as chitosan. The dermal fillers are useful for augmenting soft tissues, reducing soft tissue defects and improving skin quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Futian Liu, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Iossif A. Strehin
  • Publication number: 20210146005
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymer implants for procedures such as reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, wound healing, and closure and protection of incision sites. The implants can include a matrix from a bioerodible biopolymer. The biopolymer can be porous and conducive to cell growth for providing a beneficial interface between the matrix and host tissue. The biopolymer can be polyurethane formulation, which can include polycaprolactone soft segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
  • Patent number: 10898607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
  • Publication number: 20200397554
    Abstract: A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, David J. Schuessler
  • Patent number: 10765501
    Abstract: A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, David J. Schuessler
  • Publication number: 20200000968
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Publication number: 20180092726
    Abstract: A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, David J. Schuessler
  • Publication number: 20170348463
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Patent number: 9782517
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Publication number: 20170224873
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Patent number: 9662422
    Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob F. Pollock, Lauren E. Kokai, Cunqi Cui, Xiaojie Yu, Dennis E. Van Epps, Darin J. Messina
  • Publication number: 20170087273
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
  • Patent number: 9468521
    Abstract: Methods for breast reconstruction and augmentation are provided which may reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. Methods for treating an encapsulated breast and reducing potential for capsular contracture in the breast are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara Nofrey, Dennis E. Van Epps
  • Patent number: 9393106
    Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
  • Patent number: 9334262
    Abstract: The specification discloses compositions and methods for treating a soft tissue defect of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Guan-Liang Jiang, Wha Bin Im
  • Publication number: 20150324976
    Abstract: A method for quantifying collagen fiber alignment in periprosthetic tissue in a mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Barbara Thayer, Alexei Goraltchouk, Cindy Ren
  • Patent number: 9138311
    Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
  • Patent number: 9072821
    Abstract: Described herein are material compositions including various textures which when implanted in a mammal encourage an optimal biological response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Alexei Goraltchouk, Cindy D. Ren, Jordan M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150132469
    Abstract: Implantable prosthesis, components of prosthesis, and methods of making same are provided. The methods generally include the steps of providing an implant shell, applying a curable fluid composition to the shell to form a coating thereon and applying a particulate component to the composition. The composition is a mixture, for example, an emulsion, containing a silicone-based elastomer dispersion and droplets of a suspended leachable agent. After the elastomer is stabilized and cured, the particulate component and leachable agent are removed, resulting in an implantable member having a porous, open-cell surface texture designed to be effective in reducing incidence of capsular formation or contraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell