Patents by Inventor Donald Gonzales

Donald Gonzales 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).

  • Publication number: 20130032155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: MimOSA Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald GONZALES
  • Publication number: 20120232584
    Abstract: Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ENTrigue Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. GONZALES, Fred B. DINGER, III, Gabriele G. NIEDERAUER, Jeffrey S. WRANA
  • Patent number: 8235050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: MimOSA Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20120197361
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Anthony Natale
  • Patent number: 8192450
    Abstract: Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ENTrigue Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Jeffrey S. Wrana
  • Publication number: 20120136294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating Eustachian tube dysfunction. The apparatus may include a tube with an aperture extending through the tube and a retention mechanism for retaining the tube in the Eustachian tube. The method may include endoscopically inserting the tube through the nasopharynx and into the Eustachian tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Donald Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20120078377
    Abstract: A system, device and method for dilating an anatomical structure. Systems, devices and methods may comprise a therapeutic component configured to treat a paranasal sinus. Specific embodiments may use high frequency pressure waves and/or cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Prasad Nalluri
  • Publication number: 20110251634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Christopher M. Revell
  • Publication number: 20110022172
    Abstract: A disposable medical device for engaging with a reusable medical instrument and methods of using same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Prasad Nalluri, Jeffrey S. Wrana, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Michi E. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20110015734
    Abstract: Methods for providing therapy to an anatomical structure. In specific embodiments, the anatomical structure is a paranasal sinus outflow tract. In particular embodiments, the paranasal outflow tract may be dilated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Prasad Nalluri, Jeffrey S. Wrana, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Michi E. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20110015667
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods comprising an instrument for expanding a paranasal sinus. The instrument may comprise an articulatable shaft and a positioning member configured to move the articulatable shaft from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Prasad Nalluri, Jeffrey S. Wrana, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Michi E. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20100312338
    Abstract: A system, device and method for dilating an anatomical structure. Systems, devices and methods may comprise a therapeutic component configured to treat a paranasal sinus. Specific embodiments may comprise a shaft with an articulating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Prasad Nalluri, Jeffrey S. Wrana, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Michi E. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20100076485
    Abstract: Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Jeffrey S. Wrana
  • Publication number: 20090210005
    Abstract: A system and method for moving a hyoid bone closer to thyroid cartilage in a patient. Systems and methods may comprise sutures, suture anchors, clips and grommets to move the hyoid bone closer to the thyroid cartilage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Fred B. Dinger, III, Jeffrey S. Wrana, DONALD A GONZALES
  • Publication number: 20090099577
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into soft tissue. The system may include an elongate arm having an implant at a first end of the elongate arm and an actuator at a second end of the elongate arm. The implants may be contained in a cartridge assembly. Methods of inserting an implant may be used during nasal septum reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Gonzales, Roger Pisarnwongs, Tom Weisel, Jeff Wrana
  • Publication number: 20090099573
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating Eustachian tube dysfunction. The apparatus may include a tube with an aperture extending through the tube and a retention mechanism for retaining the tube in the Eustachian tube. The method may include endoscopically inserting the tube through the nasopharynx and into the Eustachian tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20090084389
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20080215090
    Abstract: Fastening devices are provided that are designed to effectively close tissue as well as instruments for applying the inventive fastening devices. The devices are useful for closing tissue such as mucosa in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, laryngeal surfaces, oronasopharynx, or other mucosal tissues. In particular, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), uvulopalatal flap (UPF) technique, and tonsillectomy can be assisted using the inventive system. Embodiments also provide methods of using the fastening devices and/or instruments, and kits including the fastening devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: ENTRIGUE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Gabriele G. Niederauer
  • Publication number: 20070293946
    Abstract: Medializing the middle turbinate in the nose has been realized as a solution to the common complication of adhesions following nasal and sinus surgery. The invention provides a system for medializing the middle turbinate by attaching the middle turbinate temporarily to the nasal septum. The attachment is performed using a wafer with means on both sides for attaching the wafer to a mucosal surface. The attachment may also be performed using a tissue adhesive, pins, or other medical devices described herein. The invention also provides a system for attaching the uvula to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate. The invention provides a medical device for use in the inventive procedures as well as methods for the procedures and kits for use by a physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Gonzales, Michael Larson, Fred Dinger, Gabriele Niederauer, Jeffrey Wrana
  • Patent number: D643115
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Entrigue Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Fred B. Dinger, III, Jeffrey S. Wrana