Patents by Inventor R. Donald Grafton

R. Donald Grafton 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: 11523814
    Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel suture anchor has an anchor tip for receiving a suture strand, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20200146673
    Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel suture anchor has an anchor tip for receiving a suture strand, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 10537318
    Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel suture anchor has an anchor tip for receiving a suture strand, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20170135689
    Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel suture anchor has an anchor tip for receiving a suture strand, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20150157312
    Abstract: A suture anchor for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel suture anchor has a rotatable anchor tip for receiving a suture strand, for example a rotatable forked tip for capturing a suture chain, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable through the selection of the specific chain link or links of the suture chain captured by the forked anchor tip of the suture anchor. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 9005246
    Abstract: A method and device for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel anchor having a rotatable forked anchor tip is used to capture suture, such as a suture chain, for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. Tension on the repair constructs is adjustable through the selection of the specific chain link or links of the suture chain captured by the forked anchor tip of the swivel anchor. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 8702752
    Abstract: Knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone is accomplished using a bone anchor configured to provide interference fixation of a soft-tissue connector. The soft-tissue connector is provided in the form of a flat narrow piece of material. Additional fixation strength can be provided by configuring the bone anchor to penetrate into or through the soft-tissue connector. The bone anchor is installed into a pre-formed hole or socket in the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmieding, R. Donald Grafton, Peter J. Dreyfuss, Stephen S. Burkhart
  • Publication number: 20120004687
    Abstract: A suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmieding, R. Donald Grafton, Mark Brunsvold
  • Patent number: 8012172
    Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in the cover are provided in a color contrasting with the other cover fibers to provide an identifiable trace. The cover surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture, provided in a #2 size, has the strength of #5 Ethibond, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 7892256
    Abstract: A suture tape construct is made of braided high strength surgical suture material. A length of round braided suture extends along the entire length of the suture tape. A middle portion of the suture tape features a flat braid added to the round braided suture. The suture is incorporated centrally into the flat braid, providing a backbone to the construct. Transition sections at either end of the flat braid are tapered to allow the suture tape to pass easily through openings during surgical procedures. The suture tape is a braided construction of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber blended with fibers of one or more long chain synthetic polymers, preferably polyester. The suture tape is indicated for high demand orthopedic repairs such as arthroscopic reconstruction for acromioclavicular joint separation, for example. The broad footprint of the suture tape is appropriate for repairs in degenerative cuff tissue where tissue pull-through may be a concern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, Stephen S. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 7883528
    Abstract: A fully threaded, bioabsorbable suture anchor with a suture loop that is disposed internally within the suture anchor. The suture loop is insert-molded into the anchor. The fully threaded design provides improved fixation, while the insert-molded internal suture loop serves as a recessed eyelet for a second (knot-tying) suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, Stephen S. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 7837708
    Abstract: A suture combined intraoperatively with autogenous blood components. At least one strand of suture is placed into a sterile container. Blood obtained from a patient is separated, using a centrifuge, for example, to retrieve certain healing components such as autogenous growth factors, to obtain an autogenous blood suspension. The autogenous blood suspension is added to the sterile container containing the strand of suture. The suture wicks up biologic components of the autogenous blood suspension to produce an enhanced suture. Surgical repairs using the enhanced suture are conducted by suturing a tear to itself or to bone, for example. Post-operatively, the biologic components leach from the suture to accelerate healing of the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmieding, R. Donald Grafton
  • Patent number: 7820638
    Abstract: A method for lubricating an implant or graft prior to implantation into a target implant site which enhances the lubricity of the implant or graft and promotes bone growth. The method comprises the steps of lubricating the implant or graft with the composition comprising hyaluronic acid and optionally a growth factor and/or an antiseptic and/or antibiotic, and subsequently implanting the lubricated implant or graft into a target implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Donald Grafton
  • Patent number: 7803173
    Abstract: A chain of loops of braided high strength suture for surgical applications. The suture chain is advantageous for use in knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone, and can be used for knotless side-to-side suturing of U-shaped defects, such as rotator cuff tears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, R. Donald Grafton
  • Patent number: 7226469
    Abstract: An insert-molded suture anchor has a biodegradable polymer body molded around a loop of suture. A tapered end disposed on the proximal end of the body is received into a recess in the distal end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length of the anchor. The suture is held securely within the anchor body during the insert molding process. The anchor is produced by placing the braided suture within an injection mold, and injecting biodegradable polymer into the mold. Using a preferred plication driver, the suture anchor can be utilized for capsular plication procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Benavitz, R. Donald Grafton, Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 7211088
    Abstract: A bioabsorbable, cannulated tissue tack having an oblong head is used in sutureless soft tissue fixation to bone, particularly in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A plurality of ribs are formed along the shaft of the tack. Repair of the glenohumeral joint is performed by installing the tack through a hole formed through the soft tissue of the labrum and into the cancellous bone of the glenoid rim. Aligning the oblong head of the tack lengthwise along the glenoid rim provides a low profile that avoids articular impingement on the tack head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, David J. Chao
  • Patent number: 7195634
    Abstract: A corkscrew suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmieding, R. Donald Grafton, Mark Brunsvold
  • Patent number: 7029490
    Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in the cover are provided in a color contrasting with the other cover fibers to provide an identifiable trace. The cover surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture, provided in a #2 size, has the strength of #5 Ethibond, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 6994719
    Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in the cover are provided in a color contrasting with the other cover fibers to provide an identifiable trace. The cover surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture, provided in a #2 size, has the strength of #5 Ethibond, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle. The identifiable trace preferably is provided along one half of the length of the suture, so that when the suture is loaded onto a suture anchor, for example, the two legs of the length of suture on either side of the suture anchor can be readily identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Donald Grafton
  • Patent number: 6916333
    Abstract: A corkscrew suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmieding, R. Donald Grafton, Mark Brunsvold