Patents by Inventor Gregory A. Helm

Gregory A. Helm 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: 20230248945
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods used to seal and secure a medical device at an insertion site are disclosed. The systems include a mating dressing device, a central connector, and a compression lock collar. The mating dressing device includes an adhesive plate portion that forms a first circumferential seal around the insertion site and a mating body portion that the central connector form fits to. The compression lock collar compresses the mating body portion against the central connector to form a second circumferential seal. The systems can also include a segment of intravenous tubing coupled to the central connector and used for application of the mating dressing device and compression lock collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Robert E. Helm, Gregory A. Helm
  • Patent number: 8460382
    Abstract: A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Helm, David F. Kallmes, Gerald R. Hankins, Mary E. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110196497
    Abstract: A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PATENT FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Gregory A. Helm, David F. Kallmes, Gerald R. Hankins, Mary E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7947079
    Abstract: A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Helm, David F. Kallmes, Gerald R. Hankins, Mary E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6805697
    Abstract: A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube (10a) to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool (20a) is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc, thereby creating a cavity in the disc. A flowing substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon (40) is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowing substance to contain the flowing substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Helm, David F. Kallmes, Gerald R. Hankins, Mary E. Jensen