Patents by Inventor Steven Ek
Steven Ek 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: 20140066933Abstract: Embodiments of devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for repairing and/or augmenting the articular surface and/or articular rim of a joint (e.g., repairing the anterior glenoid rim after an anterior shoulder dislocation).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Steven Ek, Anthony Miniaci
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Publication number: 20130317506Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Arthrosurface, Inc.Inventors: George J. Sikora, Steven Ek, Steven Tallariba
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Patent number: 8523872Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring that is shaped to be placed on the superior tibial surface and a bore section that is connected to the ring to create an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. The drill guide permits a drill pin and/or drill to be advanced through the tibia to the superior tibial surface. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes an elongated tubular structure having a first end and a bone-cutting end, and the bone-cutting end is terminated in a transverse angle thereby creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Arthrosurface IncorporatedInventor: Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20120016386Abstract: An apparatus for tissue repair includes first and second fixation members configured to secure tissue together, a flexible coupling member coupling the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member having two terminal ends, one of the two terminal ends terminating adjacent one of the first and second fixation members, the flexible coupling member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second fixation members such that when the other of the two terminal ends of the flexible coupling member is pulled, a length of the flexible coupling member between the first and second fixation members is shortened, and a closed loop of flexible material, the flexible coupling member being slidably received through the closed loop of flexible material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20110282362Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, an open end, a closed end, and a body interior sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Fraser Harvie, Steven Ek
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Patent number: 7887551Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a fastener, a retainer, and a flexible member. The fastener is configured to be secured within bone tissue. The flexible member connects the fastener to the retainer and is movably attached to the retainer such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer. A method includes positioning a fastener within bone tissue, positioning a retainer against soft tissue to be attached to the bone tissue, and pulling a free end of a flexible member. The fastener and the retainer are connected by the flexible member, the flexible member is movably attached to the retainer, and pulling on the free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20100222826Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, an open end, a closed end, and a body interior sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Fraser Harvie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20100114162Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first fastener, a second fastener, and a flexible member extending between the first and second fasteners and movably attached to the second fastener by a one-way knot formed in the flexible member between the first and second fastener, positioning the first fastener against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second fastener against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second fasteners, thereby closing the wound.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20100114161Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven Ek
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Patent number: 7651509Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20080319546Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. Sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Fraser Harvie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20080109079Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. Sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray BOJARSKI, Paul Torrie, Fraser Harvie, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20080033443Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for tissue resection. At least one embodiment described herein provides a tissue resection system that includes a cutter that includes a blade system and a guide bar. The blade system is configured to be slidably coupled to said guide bar to permit said blade system to move relative to the guide bar, and said blade system comprises a chain of a plurality of links hingedly coupled together, wherein at least one said link comprising a cutting portion to cut tissue. The blade system has a thickness configured to generate a recessed pocket in the tissue. Of course, many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible without departing from this disclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: ARTHROSURFACE INCORPORATEDInventors: George Sikora, Steven Ek, Tim Brightman
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Patent number: 7311702Abstract: A catheter based delivery system may be used for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The catheter based delivery system includes a catheter having a distal end. The distal end of the catheter includes several electrodes that can emit a radio frequency waveform, and may receive a signal representative of an impedance of material in the exposed to the radio frequency waveform. The radio frequency waveform may also be applied to ablate specifically targeted material exposed to the radio frequency waveform. The several electrodes may be configured as an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: STD Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Tallarida, Scott M. Epstein, Kenneth Eliasen, Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20070179608Abstract: A system, method for replacing at least a portion of first articular surface cooperating with a second articular surface including a prosthetic implant. The method including creating a socket in the first articular surface generally opposite the prosthetic implant. A graft of biological material is installed in the socket, providing a biological replacement of a portion of the first articular surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: ARTHROSURFACE, INC.Inventors: Steven Ek, Anthony Miniaci, Carl Hasselman
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Publication number: 20070123921Abstract: A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: ARTHROSURFACE, INC.Inventor: Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20070118136Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring that is shaped to be placed on the superior tibial surface and a bore section that is connected to the ring to create an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. The drill guide permits a drill pin and/or drill to be advanced through the tibia to the superior tibial surface. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes an elongated tubular structure having a first end and a bone-cutting end, and the bone-cutting end is terminated in a transverse angle thereby creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: May 24, 2007Applicant: ARTHROSURFACE, INC.Inventor: Steven Ek
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Patent number: 7163541Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring and a bore section for creating an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes a bone-cutting end, having a transverse angle creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end defining a load-bearing surface, and a second end. The first end is formed at an angle that creates an elliptical face of the first end.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Arthrosurface IncorporatedInventor: Steven Ek
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Publication number: 20070005143Abstract: A method is provided for delivering an implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface. The method may include forming a socket in an articulating feature that is capable of moving relative to the articular surface. An implant may be placed in the socket and the articulating feature may be moved relative to the articular surface to generally align the socket with an implant site formed in the articular surface. The implant may be transferred from the socket into the implant site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Steven Ek, Anthony Miniaci
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Publication number: 20060229726Abstract: An implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface including a load bearing surface and a bone contacting region. The load bearing surface had a contour defined by a first curve string which is based on a contour of the articular surface being replaced in a first plane. The load bearing surface of the implant is further defined by the contour of the articular surface being replaced in a second plane, in which the first and second planes are mutually intersection planes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventor: Steven Ek