Patents by Inventor S. Robert Kovac

S. Robert Kovac 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: 9763764
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Astora Women's Health, LLC
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140194680
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, James E. Cox
  • Patent number: 8636643
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, James E. Cox
  • Patent number: 8166977
    Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, Robert E. Lund
  • Patent number: 8088131
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Publication number: 20110137113
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, James E. Cox
  • Patent number: 7901346
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20100023027
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, JR., Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Patent number: 7615059
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Publication number: 20080127985
    Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, Robert E. Lund
  • Patent number: 7299803
    Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, Robert E. Lund
  • Publication number: 20030216608
    Abstract: The bone anchor implantation device of the present invention comprises a shaft or body having a grip at a first end of the shaft, an anchor mount at a distal end of the shaft, and a bone anchor removably mounted in the anchor mount. The shaft is preferably bent so that the anchor mount generally faces the grip such that the bone anchor can be implanted at an anchoring site in a bone by pulling rearwardly on the device. The body is adapted to be separable from the anchor after the anchor has been implanted in bone. A suture thread is attached to the bone anchor such that the suture thread is accessible to a surgeon using the device after the bone anchor has been implanted in bone and after the body has been separated from the bone anchor. The shaft is at least partially hollow, and the suture thread is housed in the shaft. The anchor mount comprises a cannula at the distal end of the shaft. The cannula is sized to removably receive an end of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Patent number: 6641524
    Abstract: A pubic bone-mounted urethra stabilization and support system and method therefor for the long term cure of recurrent female urinary incontinence. The system comprises, a pair of anchors affixed to the posterior/inferior pubic bone, sutures attach to the anchors and a mesh sling passing behind and about the urethra and the adjacent endopelvic fascia and having ends attached to the anchors by the anchor-mounted sutures. The method includes the steps of accessing said urethra with the endopelvic fascia therebehind and the pubic bone, properly locating and attaching the anchors to the pubic bone, properly locating the sling about the urethra and adjacent endopubic fascia and suturing and tensioning the ends of the sling to the anchors, causing said sling to restore, support and stabilize functional urethral continence anatomy and prevent urethral descent under intraabdominal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Patent number: 6599235
    Abstract: The bone anchor implantation device of the present invention comprises a shaft or body having a grip at a first end of the shaft, an anchor mount at a distal end of the shaft, and a bone anchor removably mounted in the anchor mount. The shaft is preferably bent so that the anchor mount generally faces the grip such that the bone anchor can be implanted at an anchoring site in a bone by pulling rearwardly on the device. The body is adapted to be separable from the anchor after the anchor has been implanted in bone. A suture thread is attached to the bone anchor such that the suture thread is accessible to a surgeon using the device after the bone anchor has been implanted in bone and after the body has been separated from the bone anchor. The shaft is at least partially hollow, and the suture thread is housed in the shaft. The anchor mount comprises a cannula at the distal end of the shaft. The cannula is sized to removably receive an end of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Publication number: 20030023250
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Publication number: 20020078964
    Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Robert Kovac, Robert E. Lund
  • Publication number: 20020022841
    Abstract: A pubic bone-mounted urethra stabilization and support system and method therefor for the long term cure of recurrent female urinary incontinence. The system comprises, a pair of anchors affixed to the posterior/inferior pubic bone, sutures attach to the anchors and a mesh sling passing behind and about the urethra and the adjacent endopelvic fascia and having ends attached to the anchors by the anchor-mounted sutures. The method includes the steps of accessing said urethra with the endopelvic fascia therebehind and the pubic bone, properly locating and attaching the anchors to the pubic bone, properly locating the sling about the urethra and adjacent endopubic fascia and suturing and tensioning the ends of the sling to the anchors, causing said sling to restore, support and stabilize functional urethral continence anatomy and prevent urethral descent under intraabdominal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Patent number: 6328686
    Abstract: A pubic bone-mounted urethra stabilization and support system includes a pair of anchors which are affixed to the posterior/inferior pubic bone, sutures attached to the anchors, and a mesh sling which is passed behind and about the urethra and the adjacent endopelvic fascia. The ends of the sling are attached to the anchors by the anchor-mounted sutures. The method includes the steps of accessing the urethra and the pubic bone through a vaginal incision, properly locating and attaching the anchors to the pubic bone, properly locating the sling about the urethra and adjacent endopubic fascia and suturing and tensioning the ends of the sling to the anchors, causing said sling to restore, support and stabilize functional urethral continence anatomy and prevent urethral descent under intraabdominal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Patent number: 6322492
    Abstract: A pubic bone-mounted urethra stabilization and support system and method therefor for the long term cure of recurrent female urinary incontinence. The system comprises, a pair of anchors affixed to the posterior/inferior pubic bone, sutures attach to the anchors and a mesh sling passing behind and about the urethra and the adjacent endopelvic fascia and having ends attached to the anchors by the anchor-mounted sutures. The method includes the steps of accessing said urethra with the endopelvic fascia therebehind and the pubic bone, properly locating and attaching the anchors to the pubic bone, properly locating the sling about the urethra and adjacent endopubic fascia and suturing and tensioning the ends of the sling to the anchors, causing said sling to restore, support and stabilize functional urethral continence anatomy and prevent urethral descent under intraabdominal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Publication number: 20010000533
    Abstract: The bone anchor implantation device of the present invention comprises a shaft or body having a grip at a first end of the shaft, an anchor mount at a distal end of the shaft, and a bone anchor removably mounted in the anchor mount. The shaft is preferably bent so that the anchor mount generally faces the grip such that the bone anchor can be implanted at an anchoring site in a bone by pulling rearwardly on the device. The body is adapted to be separable from the anchor after the anchor has been implanted in bone. A suture thread is attached to the bone anchor such that the suture thread is accessible to a surgeon using the device after the bone anchor has been implanted in bone and after the body has been separated from the bone anchor. The shaft is at least partially hollow, and the suture thread is housed in the shaft. The anchor mount comprises a cannula at the distal end of the shaft. The cannula is sized to removably receive an end of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac