Patents by Inventor Erik van der Burg

Erik van der Burg 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: 20120111341
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael DINEEN, Mark HIROTSUKA, Jasper JACKSON, Damien SHULOCK, Andrew FRAZIER, Chad ROUE, Erik VAN DER BURG
  • Publication number: 20120041556
    Abstract: Methods and devices for rhinoplasty and treating nasal valve stenosis are disclosed herein. The nasal valve acts as a flow-limiter and can contribute to airway obstruction if resistance within the nasal valve is excessive. In one embodiment, a system for treating nasal valve stenosis includes a first elongate implant and a second elongate implant configured to support the nasal valves when implanted. The implants can be coupled together by connecting elements, such as eyelets, tethers, complementary socket joints, and button-rivet supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: ERIK VAN DER BURG, MICHAEL DINEEN, MARK HIROTSUKA, JASPER JACKSON, ANDREW FRAZIER, CHAD ROUE
  • Patent number: 8096303
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V
    Inventors: Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Damien Shulock, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg
  • Patent number: 8038712
    Abstract: Methods and devices for rhinoplasty and treating nasal valve stenosis are disclosed herein. The nasal valve acts as a flow-limiter and can contribute to airway obstruction if resistance within the nasal valve is excessive. In one embodiment, a system for treating nasal valve stenosis includes a first elongate implant and a second elongate implant configured to support the nasal valves when implanted. The implants can be coupled together by connecting elements, such as eyelets, tethers, complementary socket joints, and button-rivet supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue
  • Publication number: 20110245850
    Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Siesta Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Peter Martin, Chris Feezor, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Christopher T. Cheng, Michael Kolber, Adam H. Liston
  • Patent number: 7992567
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad C. Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Patent number: 7975700
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Frazier, Mark Hirotsuka, Chad C. Roue, Jasper Jackson, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Patent number: 7934506
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue, and more particularly for temporarily suspending the tongue. One embodiment of the device comprises an elongate member with a retractable distal tissue-engaging tip that is movable within the lumen of tubular member configured for insertion into the tongue, preferably from an inferior surface of the jaw. The device may be used diagnostically assess the effect of performing tongue suspension in a patient prior to permanent implantation of a glossopexy device. The retractable distal tissue-engaging tip may be removed after diagnostic assessment, or left in place and attached to a temporary external securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Beverly Tucker Woodson, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier
  • Publication number: 20100121348
    Abstract: An insertion tool is used to implant a knotless suture anchor to secure soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. An inner shaft on the insertion tool engages the inner tubular member and is used to rotate the inner tubular member so that the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner tubular member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member of the anchor which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner tubular member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. The insertion tool has an outer shaft that engages the outer tubular member of the anchor and prevents the outer tubular member from rotating as the inner shaft on the insertion tool rotates the inner tubular member on the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ROSS CREEK MEDICAL
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Nathaniel Cohen, Christopher Feezor, Christopher T. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100063542
    Abstract: A knotless suture anchor provides a method for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. As the inner member rotates, the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. A ratchet prevents undesirable counter-rotation, although the ratchet can be released to permit loosening of the suture thread. Also described is a suture bridge and suture platform for providing further stabilization of a tendon. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Nathaniel Cohen, Christopher Feezor, Christopher T. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090171400
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. Various directional anchors that allow for increasing the stability the attachment of soft tissue to bone are described. Also described is a delivery system for use with the directional anchors that allows for open surgical or arthroscopic application of one embodiment of the device. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROSS CREEK MEDICAL
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Nathaniel Cohen
  • Patent number: 7510576
    Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty and left ventricle restriction device is designed to be transvenously advanced and deployed within the coronary sinus and in some embodiments other coronary veins The device places tension on adjacent structures, reducing the diameter and/or limiting expansion of the mitral annulus and/or limiting diastolic expansion of the left ventricle. These effects may be beneficial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences AG
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Langberg, Michael D. Lesh, Erik van der Burg
  • Publication number: 20080208265
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated to displace at least a portion of the soft palate in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the soft palate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080066769
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Aspire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Damien Shulock, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg
  • Publication number: 20080053461
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. In some embodiments, a glossal suspension system includes a tissue tensioner that includes a suture loop made of one or more sutures configured to suspend the tongue with at least one portion configured to extend laterally through the tongue, and a securement mechanism configured to be attached to a patient's mandible that includes one more adjustment assemblies for engaging the one or more sutures and adjusting tension on the suture loop. Various tethers and anchors that can be used with the glossal suspension system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Aspire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Damien Shulock, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Publication number: 20080058584
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for tensioning a glossopexy system are also disclosed. A tether can include a tether protection element configured to prevent overextension of the tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Aspire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik Van der Burg, Michael Dineen
  • Publication number: 20080035160
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue, and more particularly for temporarily suspending the tongue. One embodiment of the device comprises an elongate member with a retractable distal tissue-engaging tip that is movable within the lumen of tubular member configured for insertion into the tongue, preferably from an inferior surface of the jaw. The device may be used diagnostically assess the effect of performing tongue suspension in a patient prior to permanent implantation of a glossopexy device. The retractable distal tissue-engaging tip may be removed after diagnostic assessment, or left in place and attached to a temporary external securing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Beverly Woodson, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier
  • Publication number: 20080027560
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for engaging the tongue are also disclosed. One embodiment of a tongue remodeling system includes an elongate implant configured to be positioned within a selected region of the tongue and a tether configured to suspend the tongue. The tether can be configured to be looped around the elongate implant and connected to another structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka
  • Publication number: 20080023012
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: ASPIRE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue, Erik van der Burg
  • Publication number: 20080027480
    Abstract: Methods and devices for rhinoplasty and treating nasal valve stenosis are disclosed herein. The nasal valve acts as a flow-limiter and can contribute to airway obstruction if resistance within the nasal valve is excessive. In one embodiment, a system for treating nasal valve stenosis includes a first elongate implant and a second elongate implant configured to support the nasal valves when implanted. The implants can be coupled together by connecting elements, such as eyelets, tethers, complementary socket joints, and button-rivet supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Aspire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Andrew Frazier, Chad Roue