Patents by Inventor James S. Mulhollan

James S. Mulhollan 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).

  • Lipped cannula and methods of introducing surgical instruments in arthroscopic surgical procedures
    Patent number: 5234455
    Abstract: A lipped cannula includes a cylindrical member having a distal end for being inserted through a portal of minimal size in anatomical tissue of a wall of the body, a proximal end and a lip spaced proximally from the distal end and a housing mounting the proximal end of the cylindrical member. The lip has a periphery that is spaced outwardly from the circumference of the cylindrical member allowing a surface of the lip to engage an internal surface of the anatomical tissue when the distal end of the cannula is inserted in the body to prevent the distal end from backing out of the body. A lumen of the lipped cannula allows various surgical instruments to be inserted at an operative site in the body through the lumen with the lipped cannula preventing extravasation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Arkansas Knee Clinic, P.A.
    Inventor: James S. Mulhollan
  • Mechanical needle carrier and method for its use
    Patent number: 4621640
    Abstract: A mechanical needle carrier is provided which can grasp and carry a surgical needle through a cannula, position the needle and set a stitch at the remote location and then release the needle and be withdrawn from the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventors: James S. Mulhollan, Lionel Starr
  • Needle extractor
    Patent number: 4614187
    Abstract: A needle extractor is provided for removing elongated surgical needles from within a patient body which comprises a ratchet activated rod member insertable through a cannula and having a hole for grasping and pulling the needle. The cannula is provided with a slim abutting ring to prevent movement of the cannula tip during the extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventors: James S. Mulhollan, Lionel Starr
  • Remote surgical knot tier and method of use
    Patent number: 4602635
    Abstract: A remote surgical knot tier and method for its use is provided which can hold, push and place loops forming a knot in suture material from a manipulation area into a remote site in the body of a human being or an animal through a puncture wound or other small opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventors: James S. Mulhollan, Lionel Starr
  • Surgical needle manipulator
    Patent number: 4597390
    Abstract: A device for manipulating a surgical needle which has been set in tissue is provided which comprises a tube with a telescoping rod therein, the tube and rod having a diametrical slot in one end forming a bifurcated slot. The tube and rod are relatively rotatable resulting in the slot portions being movable in and out of alignment. When the slot portions are in alignment the shank of the needle can be received in the slots, and as they are moved out of alignment, the needle is grasped by the side walls of the slots. Diametrical holes in the tube and rod are also provided forming a bifurcated passage for gripping the tip of the needle in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventors: James S. Mulhollan, Lionel Starr