Patents by Inventor James P. Tasto

James P. Tasto 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).

  • Patent number: 6805130
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a target site on a tendon, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active electrode and a return electrode to selectively ablate tendon tissue at the target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Arthrocare Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Tasto, Jean Woloszko, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Patent number: 6763836
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one variation, the invention involves creating a pattern of voids in connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. This also includes using a template device to assist in the creation of the pattern of voids. Also included is an electrosurgical device with a self-contained fluid supply for providing conductive fluid to the target tissue or to active electrodes of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Arthrocare Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Tasto, Jean Woloszko, Michael A. Baker, James L. Pacek, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Publication number: 20030171743
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a target site on a tendon, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active electrode and a return electrode to selectively ablate tendon tissue at the target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Tasto, Jean Woloszko, Philip Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Publication number: 20030055418
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one variation, the invention involves creating a pattern of voids in connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. This also includes using a template device to assist in the creation of the pattern of voids. Also included is an electrosurgical device with a self-contained fluid supply for providing conductive fluid to the target tissue or to active electrodes of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Tasto, Jean Woloszko, Michael A. Baker, James L. Pacek, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Publication number: 20020068930
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a target site on a tendon, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active electrode and a return electrode to selectively ablate tendon tissue at the target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Tasto, Jean Woloszko, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Patent number: 6383187
    Abstract: An at least partially bioabsorbable surgical fastener or device formed in the shape of a screw and washer system and the methods for manufacturing and using the same. The surgical fastener is particularly but not solely intended to be used to attach rotator cuff tendons to bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Bionx Implants Oy
    Inventors: Pertti Törmälä, James P. Tasto
  • Publication number: 20010031966
    Abstract: An at least partially bioabsorbable surgical fastener or device formed in the shape of a screw and washer system and the methods for manufacturing and using the same. The surgical fastener is particularly but not solely intended to be used to attach rotator cuff tendons to bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Pertti Tormala, James P. Tasto
  • Patent number: 6248108
    Abstract: An at least partially bioabsorbable surgical fastener or device formed in the shape of a screw and washer system and the methods for manufacturing and using the same. The surgical fastener is particularly but not solely intended to be used to attach rotator cuff tendons to bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Bionx Implants Oy
    Inventors: Pertti Törmälä, James P. Tasto