Patents by Inventor Douglas Hester

Douglas Hester 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: 20220008063
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Patent number: 11160545
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Patent number: 10390822
    Abstract: Various exemplary surgical fasteners are provided, and methods and devices are provided for deploying a surgical fastener. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical fastener to be deployed to secure tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener can be configured to move between a first linear or compressed configuration, in which the fastener can have a first maximum diameter, and a second bent or expanded configuration, in which the fastener can have a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter. A delivery device can be configured to advance the fastener through tissue and into bone to attach the tissue to the bone. The delivery device can be configured to maintain the fastener in the compressed configuration such that when the fastener is released from the delivery device, the fastener can be configured to self-expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Joyce-Marie Gallagher
  • Patent number: 10292699
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filaments when performing soft tissue repair. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical suture management device is in the form of a suture loop management card. The card can generally be configured to hold open a collapsible loop of suture until a force applied to the loop is greater than a threshold tension. The card can include a number of different features that help to keep the loop open until the threshold tension is achieved, including features designed to prevent the filament from being mistakenly offloaded. The card can be configured to be removably inserted into a handle of an inserter tool for use as a surgical tissue repair system. Other devices, systems, and methods for performing soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Kevin J. Zylka, Justin Piccirillo, Brian Otrando, Douglas Hester
  • Publication number: 20190029667
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Patent number: 10105133
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Publication number: 20170112496
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filaments when performing soft tissue repair. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical suture management device is in the form of a suture loop management card. The card can generally be configured to hold open a collapsible loop of suture until a force applied to the loop is greater than a threshold tension. The card can include a number of different features that help to keep the loop open until the threshold tension is achieved, including features designed to prevent the filament from being mistakenly offloaded. The card can be configured to be removably inserted into a handle of an inserter tool for use as a surgical tissue repair system. Other devices, systems, and methods for performing soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Kevin J. Zylka, Justin Piccirillo, Brian Otrando, Douglas Hester
  • Patent number: 9538999
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filaments when performing soft tissue repair. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical suture management device is in the form of a suture loop management card. The card can generally be configured to hold open a collapsible loop of suture until a force applied to the loop is greater than a threshold tension. The card can include a number of different features that help to keep the loop open until the threshold tension is achieved, including features designed to prevent the filament from being mistakenly offloaded. The card can be configured to be removably inserted into a handle of an inserter tool for use as a surgical tissue repair system. Other devices, systems, and methods for performing soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Kevin J. Zylka, Justin Piccirillo, Brian Otrando, Douglas Hester
  • Publication number: 20160192931
    Abstract: Various exemplary surgical fasteners are provided, and methods and devices are provided for deploying a surgical fastener. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical fastener to be deployed to secure tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener can be configured to move between a first linear or compressed configuration, in which the fastener can have a first maximum diameter, and a second bent or expanded configuration, in which the fastener can have a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter. A delivery device can be configured to advance the fastener through tissue and into bone to attach the tissue to the bone. The delivery device can be configured to maintain the fastener in the compressed configuration such that when the fastener is released from the delivery device, the fastener can be configured to self-expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Joyce-Marie Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20160128685
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Patent number: 9314245
    Abstract: Various exemplary surgical fasteners are provided, and methods and devices are provided for deploying a surgical fastener. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical fastener to be deployed to secure tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener can be configured to move between a first linear or compressed configuration, in which the fastener can have a first maximum diameter, and a second bent or expanded configuration, in which the fastener can have a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter. A delivery device can be configured to advance the fastener through tissue and into bone to attach the tissue to the bone. The delivery device can be configured to maintain the fastener in the compressed configuration such that when the fastener is released from the delivery device, the fastener can be configured to self-expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Joyce-Marie Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20160089193
    Abstract: A method of compacting and stabilizing bone in the spine using an expandable screw and bone filler. The method comprises placing an expanding screw through a pedicle and into a fractured vertebral body using established techniques; and expanding the screw within the body to create a cavity by tamping bone around the expanded aspect of the screw. The screw can be expanded and rotated about its rotational-axis to tamp bone adjacent to the expanded screw. After compaction, the screw is removed and the cavity is filled with bone filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Richard Techiera, Douglas Hester
  • Patent number: 9265494
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Patent number: 9211153
    Abstract: A method of compacting and stabilizing bone in the spine using an expandable screw and bone filler. The method includes placing an expanding screw through a pedicle and into a fractured vertebral body using established techniques; and expanding the screw within the body to create a cavity by tamping bone around the expanded aspect of the screw. The screw can be expanded and rotated about its rotational-axis to tamp bone adjacent to the expanded screw. After compaction, the screw is removed and the cavity is filled with bone filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Richard Techiera, Douglas Hester
  • Publication number: 20140277125
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filaments when performing soft tissue repair. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical suture management device is in the form of a suture loop management card. The card can generally be configured to hold open a collapsible loop of suture until a force applied to the loop is greater than a threshold tension. The card can include a number of different features that help to keep the loop open until the threshold tension is achieved, including features designed to prevent the filament from being mistakenly offloaded. The card can be configured to be removably inserted into a handle of an inserter tool for use as a surgical tissue repair system. Other devices, systems, and methods for performing soft tissue repair are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Kevin John Zylka, Justin Piccirillo, Brian Otrando, Douglas Hester
  • Publication number: 20130331839
    Abstract: Various exemplary surgical fasteners are provided, and methods and devices are provided for deploying a surgical fastener. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical fastener to be deployed to secure tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener can be configured to move between a first linear or compressed configuration, in which the fastener can have a first maximum diameter, and a second bent or expanded configuration, in which the fastener can have a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter. A delivery device can be configured to advance the fastener through tissue and into bone to attach the tissue to the bone. The delivery device can be configured to maintain the fastener in the compressed configuration such that when the fastener is released from the delivery device, the fastener can be configured to self-expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Joyce-Marie Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8579910
    Abstract: A spinal implant insertion device is hereby provided. The device includes an insertion blade assembly having a set of opposed insertion blades wherein the assembly is adapted to slide from a retracted position to an extended position relative to an elongate shaft. In the extended position, a blades are adapted to be positioned above and below a portion of a spinal implant so as to shield the portion of the implant during delivery to an intervertebral space. The insertion blades assembly can also be modular so as to utilize a wide range of distinct insertion blades. Additionally, a method for delivering a spinal implant to an intervertebral space is herein provided. Like above, the method utilizes an insertion blade assembly adapted to slide along a shaft of a spinal implant insertion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Paul S. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20130158599
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes one or more bone-engaging surfaces features and an external sidewall. The external sidewall can allow a suture coupled to the suture anchor and located between the anchor and bone to be movable relative to the suture anchor, even when the suture anchor is partially or fully disposed within a bone hole. Suture threaders and suture anchor drivers are also provided that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Hester, Brian Otrando
  • Publication number: 20120172934
    Abstract: A method of compacting and stabilizing bone in the spine using an expandable screw and bone filler. The method comprises placing an expanding screw through a pedicle and into a fractured vertebral body using established techniques; and expanding the screw within the body to create a cavity by tamping bone around the expanded aspect of the screw. The screw can be expanded and rotated about its rotational-axis to tamp bone adjacent to the expanded screw. After compaction, the screw is removed and the cavity is filled with bone filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Richard Techiera, Douglas Hester
  • Publication number: 20110077655
    Abstract: A mandrel is inserted into the tissue to be distracted and a filament is repeatedly wrapped around the mandrel to make a spool. As the mandrel turns, the filament coils around the mandrel to create of spool of increasing diameter. This spool can be used as a distractor, tamp, or implant. A spool implant can be cemented to further stabilize the device in situ, such as a vertebral body. The filament deposition upon the mandrel is controlled by rotation and the volume creation is incremental. This makes the spool ideal for creating highly controlled distraction forces or insertion of bulking material. In some embodiments, fibers having a low glass transition temperature are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Thomas M. DiMauro, John Riley Hawkins, Douglas Hester, Michael J. O'Neil, Jamie Lockwood, Matthew Parsons