Patents by Inventor Steven E. Decker
Steven E. Decker 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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Publication number: 20150374351Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Publication number: 20150359552Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Arkadiusz A. Strokosz, David T. Okihisa, Steven E. Decker, Phillip DeAlday, Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
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Patent number: 9131938Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 9113939Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Arkadiusz A. Strokosz, David T. Okihisa, Steven E. Decker, Phillip DeAlday, Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
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Publication number: 20140263570Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Timothy Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
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Publication number: 20130261645Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering
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Publication number: 20130238001Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 8496676Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Hung Tran, Benjamin G. Brosch
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Patent number: 8469975Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle, an elongate shaft, and a push rod slidably inserted in the shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance the push rod relative to the shaft, thereby distally advancing the knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering
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Patent number: 8372089Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 8348962Abstract: A suturing device and method allows a physician to remotely suture biological tissue. The device includes an elongate body, first and second arms operably connected to the elongated body, whereby each arm mounts an end portion of a suture, and first and second needles, each needle having a distal end and being mounted such that the distal end of the needle is movable to engage respective end portions of suture. The suturing apparatus further includes an actuator which drives the needles to engage the suture. The suturing apparatus further includes an occluding device operably connected to the elongate body such that the occluding device may be advanced from the distal end of the elongate body to temporarily occlude the incision to be sutured.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Benjamin G. Brosch
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Publication number: 20120316582Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering
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Publication number: 20120283752Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 8246636Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 8197497Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering
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Publication number: 20110093005Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Arkadiusz A. Strokosz, David T. Okihisa, Steven E. Decker, Phillip DeAlday, Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
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Patent number: 7905892Abstract: Suture cutter embodiments include elements for cutting back the leads of a suture after the suture has been tied into a knot, e.g., as a result of drawing tissue portions together. The suture cutter may include mechanisms which can be used to push and position a knot, so that a single device may be used to both push a knot and trim the excess material therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Rod T. Peterson
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Publication number: 20110015655Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Hung Tran, Benjamin G. Brosch
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Patent number: 7803167Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Hung Tran, Benjamin G. Brosch
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Publication number: 20080269786Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen