Patents by Inventor Ross R. Muth
Ross R. Muth 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: 6260699Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture an removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew E. Hermes, Ross R. Muth, David L. Brown, Henry A. Holzwarth
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Patent number: 6228954Abstract: Polymer blends of glycolide and/or lactide homopolymer and/or glycolide/lactide copolymer and polycaprolactone and/or polytrimethylene carbonate homopolymer or copolymers thereof and absorbable surgical devices manufactured therefrom having improved mechanical properties, such as improved impact resistance and improved cyclic flex, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1994Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew Hermes, Ross R. Muth, John Kennedy
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Patent number: 5876421Abstract: A method for removing residual xylene from sutures includes contacting the suture with water either subjecting the suture to an atmosphere containing water vapor or be immersing the suture in liquid water, followed by drying the suture.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventors: Robert D. Torgerson, Ross R. Muth
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Patent number: 5795584Abstract: Surgical adhesion barriers and methods of using such surgical adhesion barriers are provided. Surgical adhesion barriers according to the present invention have at least one layer of a bioabsorbable material comprising copolymers and/or block copolymers derived from trimethylene carbonate. Alternatively, a multilayer surgical structure having one or more bioabsorbable layers superimposed on a non-absorbable layer is useful for minimizing or preventing formation of fibrous adhesions between a healing trauma site and adjacent surrounding tissue. Alternatively, a bioabsorbable non-woven fabric in adherent contact with at least one bioabsorbable layer of foam, film, mesh, web or woven fabric is also provided. One or more medicinal agents may be interposed between or disposed within any of the aforementioned layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Nagabhushanam Totakura, Ross R. Muth, Roy D. Gravener, Matthew Hain, Ilya S. Koyfman
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Patent number: 5674286Abstract: A completely bioabsorbable reinforced composite material for use in medical implants and a method for making same. The composite material comprises a hybrid yarn of intimately co-mingled reinforcement fibers of a crystalline polymer and matrix fibers of a polymer having a glass transition temperature below the melting point of the crystalline polymer. The hybrid yarn is heated under pressure to a processing temperature between the glass transition temperature of the matrix fibers and the melting point of the crystalline polymer to form a continuous matrix with reinforcing fibers of crystalline polymer. The composite material may be formed by a two step consolidation process.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1992Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Keith D'Alessio, Donald S. Kaplan, Ross R. Muth, John Kennedy
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Patent number: 5518502Abstract: Methods for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during an endoscopic procedure which include the steps of introducing an endoscope into a body cavity and contacting the endoscope lens with a biocompatible and biodegradable composition containing a polyalkylene oxide while the lens is positioned within the body. Alternatively, the endoscope may be coated with a biocompatible polyHEMA coating which is activated by a biocompatible solution, such as water or saline, which may be introduced during use through a fluid conduit on the endoscope. Devices for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during endoscopic procedures and conveying antifogging solutions to the distal end of the endoscope are also provided, and may include a distensible applicator.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: The United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Ross R. Muth, Nagabhushanam Totakura, Darren E. Zinner, Corbett W. Stone
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Patent number: 5502159Abstract: A block copolymer for use in the fabrication of bioabsorbable articles such as monofilament surgical sutures is prepared by copolymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers and 1,4-dioxan-2-one, and then polymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers with the dioxanone-containing copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Cheng-Kung Liu, Steven L. Bennett, John Kennedy, Donald S. Kaplan, Ross R. Muth
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Patent number: 5478355Abstract: A method is provided for improving the in vivo strength retention of a bioabsorbable implantable medical device such as a suture.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Ross R. Muth, Nagabhushanam Totakura, Cheng-Kung Liu
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Patent number: 5474732Abstract: A method for forming a surgical clip and fixture for use therein includes molding a polymeric clip body, the clip body having hinged legs, the polymer of the clip body being substantially amorphous. The clip body can then be moved to a desired configuration while being subjected to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. The molded clip body is then heated to a temperature within the crystallization range for a period of time sufficient to impart at least 20% crystallinity thereto to impart a spring back property. Also disclosed herein is a fixture for forming a surgical clip in accordance with this method.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Herbert W. Korthoff, Daniel Shichman, Ross R. Muth, Charles E. Gorman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5475063Abstract: Polymer blends of glycolide and/or lactide homopolymer and/or glycolide/lactide copolymer and polycaprolactone and/or polytrimethylene carbonate homopolymer or copolymers thereof and absorbable surgical devices manufactured therefrom having improved mechanical properties, such as improved impact resistance and improved cyclic flex, are disclosed. The blends may be prepared by polymerizing a glycolide or lactide containing polymer in the presence of a polymer derived from trimethylene carbonate or .epsilon.-caprolactone.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew Hermes, Ross R. Muth, John Kennedy
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Patent number: 5472702Abstract: A human growth factor (HGF), a human growth factor-containing composition or a medical or surgical device such as a wound dressing or suture filled with a human growth factor-containing composition is sterilized employing an ethylene oxide gaseous sterilizant.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Ross R. Muth, Matthew E. Hermes, Donald S. Kaplan
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Patent number: 5468252Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element, such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture as removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew E. Hermes, Ross R. Muth, David L. Brown, Henry A. Holzwarth
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Patent number: 5462162Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element, such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture as removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew E. Hermes, Ross R. Muth, David L. Brown, Henry A. Holzwarth
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Patent number: 5458616Abstract: A siliconized surgical needle is provided which requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized needle.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Richard N. Granger, Ross R. Muth, George R. Proto
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Patent number: 5447966Abstract: An absorbable composition useful for treating absorbable surgical devices to render the same storage stable and/or to enhance delivery of the article and/or a medico-surgically useful substance to a wound. The preferred composition includes collagen or a derivative thereof, a plasticizer and a surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Hermes, Ross R. Muth, Darel L. Gustafson
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Patent number: 5425949Abstract: A bioabsorbable copolymer is obtained from the polymerization of a major amount of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer in the presence of an initiator possessing at least two carboxylic acid groups. The copolymer is useful, inter alia, as a coating for a surgical suture.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Steven L. Bennett, Mark S. Roby, Ross R. Muth
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Patent number: 5376118Abstract: A support material for cell impregnation is provided. The support material is fabricated from a semiabsorbable composite yarn comprising a nonabsorbable, elastic core yarn and an absorbable, relatively inelastic sheath yarn. A prosthetic device may be formed from the support material. The support material is impregnated with living cells followed by incorporation into the tissue structure of a host organism. The support material impregnated with cells may be cultured in vitro to increase the number of cells prior to incorporation into the host organism.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, John Kennedy, Ross R. Muth, Elliot A. Gruskin
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Patent number: 5366081Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element, such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture as removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Donald S. Kaplan, Matthew E. Hermes, Ross R. Muth, David L. Brown, Henry A. Holzwarth
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Patent number: 5366458Abstract: A latchless surgical clip provides effective hemostasis while avoiding or minimizing the risk of injury to the tissue site to which the clip is applied. The clip includes a hinge region having an elastic spring back property so that the legs are spread apart to engage opposing sides of the tissue and then released to return to their tissue clamping (closed) position. A method for forming the latchless surgical clip and a fixture for use therein are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Herbert W. Korthoff, Daniel Shichman, Ross R. Muth, Charles E. Gorman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5358677Abstract: Method for forming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into surgical elements include forming a mixture of PVA and water into a film by vacuum pressing with a first force, heating, applying a second force two to two hundred times the firs force, drying the film to remove water to a content of less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the film, and molding the film into a desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Ross R. Muth, Nagabhushanam Totakura, Keith D'Alessio