Patents by Inventor Gary R. Heisler
Gary R. Heisler 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).
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Patent number: 9717587Abstract: Using the simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor of the present invention, a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to multi-anchor constructs. Multi-anchor constructs of the present invention may employ threaded implants exclusively, push-in implants exclusively, or a combination of threaded and push-in implants.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Publication number: 20170189009Abstract: Herein described are suture-anchoring implanted medical devices formed from a bioresorbable metal alloy that may be used to secure soft tissue to bone. The metallic bioresorbable tissue anchoring devices of the present invention are optimally configured such that all portions of the device are resorbed over a short predetermined period of time while maintaining their tissue anchoring capability and preventing the generation of loose foreign bodies therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20170150960Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft or “suture anchor”, threaded, knotless or otherwise, by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. The simplified placement system and method of the present invention allows the surgeon to establish the graft position and, while maintaining that position, secure the anchor without changing the suture tension or causing a shift in the graft position and furthermore, when the anchor is threaded, without spinning of the suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Robert A. Van Wyk, Gary R. Heisler
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Publication number: 20170100136Abstract: Described herein are specialized endoscopic drilling devices that may be readily powered by a conventional shaver handpiece and further may be utilized to secure a soft tissue graft to a boney surface. More particularly, the devices, systems and methods of the present invention enable the efficient and minimally invasive formation of off-axis sockets and/or tunnels in boney surfaces that may then serve as a site for graft placement by aperture and/or suspensory fixation means. As such, the present invention has particular applicability to the surgical repair and reconstruction of torn or ruptured tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, in the leg, knee and shoulder, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Patent number: 9597069Abstract: Herein described are suture-anchoring implanted medical devices formed from a bioresorbable metal alloy that may be used to secure soft tissue to bone. The metallic bioresorbable tissue anchoring devices of the present invention are optimally configured such that all portions of the device are resorbed over a short predetermined period of time while maintaining their tissue anchoring capability and preventing the generation of loose foreign bodies therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: TENJIN LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Patent number: 9566060Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: TENJIN LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Publication number: 20170000476Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments allow for the placement of small diameter knotless anchors. For example, the implant placement system may include a cannulated tensioning device having disposed therein an elongate member of a suitably elastic metallic or polymeric material, such as nitinol, that includes at its distal end a loop of material suitable for suture retention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20160374795Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments relate to multi-anchor constructs formed by. a. affixing at least one suture to the bone medial to the lateral edge of the soft tissue using a first implant, such as a cannulated knotless suture anchor, such that no portion of the implant lies lateral to the soft tissue edge; b. passing a first length of suture from the first implant over the soft tissue; c. forming a socket lateral to the edge of the soft tissue such that it is not underneath the soft tissue; d. establishing a desired tension in the first length of suture; and e.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20160367314Abstract: In the context of endoscopic electrosurgery, there is a need for a sufficiently robust, rigid, and preferably aspirating electrosurgical device that may be repeatedly flexed in the field to allow access to a wide array of remote tissues using a single device and, more preferably, during a single minimally invasive procedure. The present invention addresses this significant need by providing the distal portion of the elongate tubular member of an electrosurgical device with a bend region having a non-uniform flexural strength along its length, such that one may bend the tubular member at said bend region not only to an initial small radius bend, but subsequently rebend the distal portion to other angles as needed, with all bends occurring in the same distal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Applicant: TENJIN LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Robert A. VAN WYK, Gary R. HEISLER
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Publication number: 20160367357Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments allow for the one-handed operation. To that end, embodiments in which relative axial movement between the inner tensioning device and outer driver device is optionally physically constrained, for example by means of cooperating and/or compressive elements disposed in the respective hub and handle portions, are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Patent number: 9486232Abstract: Minimally invasive endoscopic cutting instruments having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes means for eliminating or modifying the distal end axial bearing surfaces so as to reduce manufacturing costs as well as the opportunity for galling and metal shedding. The present invention further describes an improved hub attachment method that may further or alternatively reduce overall manufacturing costs. The present invention yet further describes means and methods for improved bendability in the field, which, in turn, enables improved access to remote surgical targets.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: HANSHI LLCInventors: Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Publication number: 20160317162Abstract: Described herein are specialized methods and systems that may be utilized to secure a soft tissue graft to a boney surface. The methods and systems of the present invention facilitate the efficient and minimally invasive formation of sockets and/or tunnels in boney surfaces that may then serve as a site for graft placement by aperture and/or suspensory fixation means. The present invention has particular applicability to the surgical repair and reconstruction of torn or ruptured ligaments of the leg, such as anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20160220242Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20160206300Abstract: Arising from the discovery that a non-immunogenic poly-synthetic bioadhesive based on polyphenolic proteins produced by sandcastle worms (Phragmatopoma californica) may be used to anneal tears of the meniscus and annulus fibroses and repair spinal disc herniations, herein disclosed are suture-less meniscal and disc repair devices, systems and methods that may be implemented least invasively, in fluid filled or dry/semi-dry environments using simple instrumentation and without the need for suturing or the placement of anchors. The present invention is less technically demanding for the practioner and thus expected enhance outcomes and represent a distinct advancement over prior art techniques presently available.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2015Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van WYK
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Publication number: 20160157852Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20160030032Abstract: Herein described are suture-anchoring implanted medical devices formed from a bioresorbable metal alloy that may be used to secure soft tissue to bone. The metallic bioresorbable tissue anchoring devices of the present invention are optimally configured such that all portions of the device are resorbed over a short predetermined period of time while maintaining their tissue anchoring capability and preventing the generation of loose foreign bodies therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Patent number: 9226817Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: TENJIN LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Publication number: 20150245868Abstract: In the context of endoscopic electrosurgery, there is a need for a sufficiently robust, rigid, and preferably aspirating electrosurgical device that may be repeatedly flexed in the field to allow access to a wide array of remote tissues using a single device and, more preferably, during a single minimally invasive procedure. The present invention addresses this significant need by providing the distal portion of the elongate tubular member of an electrosurgical device with a bend region having a non-uniform flexural strength along its length, such that one may bend the tubular member at said bend region not only to an initial small radius bend, but subsequently rebend the distal portion to other angles as needed, with all bends occurring in the same distal region. The flexural strength in the bend region may be reduced by, for example, notching the tube in the bend region, annealing the tube in the bend region, or reducing the wall thickness in the bend region, or any combination of these means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Robert A. Van Wyk, Gary R. Heisler
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Publication number: 20150245901Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. DOUGHERTY, Gary R. HEISLER, Robert A. VAN WYK
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Publication number: 20150182233Abstract: In the context of bone surgery and in particular arthroscopic surgery, there is frequently a need for the application of “percussive force” to the distal end component(s) of a surgical device, i.e., repetitive percutient or striking force analogous to that of a hammer driving a nail. Disclosed herein are mechanisms and methods for automating and/or controlling the application of such a percussive force so as to avoid the present need in the art for a “third hand”. The present invention addresses the significant and long felt need by providing a powered percussive driver device that may be controlled directly by the primary surgeon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2014Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: Tenjin LLCInventors: Robert A. Van Wyk, Gary R. Heisler, Christopher P. Dougherty