Patents by Inventor Steven W. Ek

Steven W. 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).

  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINT RESURFACING AND REPAIR
    Publication number: 20170281200
    Abstract: An implant resection system for preparing an implant site to replace a defect in an articular surface of a first bone includes a first guide configured to be coupled generally to the first bone. The first guide includes a body portion defining a channel configured to receive a pin, wherein the pin is configured to penetrate and form a longitudinally disposed bore within the first bone. The implant resection system further includes a second guide configured to be coupled generally perpendicular to the first bone proximate to the defect by way of the bore. The second guide includes a drill bit configured to form an excision site through a portion of the articular surface in preparation of receipt of an implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • APPARATUS FOR TISSUE REPAIR
    Publication number: 20170231619
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven W. Ek
  • Glenoid resurfacing system and method
    Patent number: 9662126
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for repairing an articular surface. A guide pin may be secured to an articular surface of a glenoid, wherein the guide pin defines a working axis and the working axis is positioned at an angle ? relative to the articular surface, wherein angle ? is less than or equal to 90 degrees. An excision device may be advanced over the guide pin, wherein the excision device includes a cannulated shaft and at least one cutter, wherein the at least one cutter is generally aligned in a single plane. A generally hemi-spherical excision site may be formed with the excision device within the articular surface of the glenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • Retrograde Resection Apparatus and Method
    Publication number: 20170128085
    Abstract: A retrograde resection apparatus may include a cutting blade including a slot defined in the cutting blade, a recess defined in at least a portion of the slot, a screw, including a proximal end and a distal end defining a bore therethrough, a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the shaft passes through the bore and the distal end is configured to be received in the recess, and a biasing device configured to bias the shaft against the cutting blade. In addition, the apparatus may include a tether, a first portion of which is affixed to the cutting blade and a second portion of which passes through the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: George Sikora, Timothy Brightman, Steven W. Ek
  • Trochlear Resurfacing System and Method
    Publication number: 20170119528
    Abstract: A system for repairing a defect on an articular surface of a patient's trochlear region, the system comprising a guide block comprising a body having an exterior surface configured to engage with the saddle portion and ridge portions of the patient's trochlear region, a protrusion extending generally from the body and configured to be received in a first bore formed in the articular surface along a reference axis, and a first cavity extending through the body configured to establish a first working axis displaced from the reference axis, wherein the exterior surface of the body and the protrusion are configured to secure the location of the guide block about the patient's trochlear region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven W. Ek, George Sikora
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING ARTICULAR SURFACES
    Publication number: 20170100251
    Abstract: A joint replacement system for repairing an articular surface of a first bone of a joint includes an anchor portion and an implant portion. The anchor portion includes an anchor to be secured to the bone, and an anchor fixation head including a bone-facing surface (BFS) extending radially outward from the anchor and an implant facing surface (IFS) extending from a periphery of the BFS. The implant portion is formed from a material (e.g., CoCr) more dense than the material of the anchor portion (e.g., Ti) and includes a fixation cavity to receive at least a portion of the anchor fixation head (AFH), the fixation cavity includes an anchor facing surface (AFS) configured to form a frictional connection with the IFS, and a load bearing surface having a contour for articulating against a cooperating articulating surface of a second bone of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Steven W. Ek, Anthony Miniaci, Timothy Brightman
  • Apparatus for tissue repair
    Patent number: 9545251
    Abstract: An apparatus for tissue repair, comprising first and second fixation members, 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 Chinese trap formed in the flexible coupling member through which a portion of the flexible coupling member slides when the flexible coupling member is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven W. Ek
  • Closure device and method for tissue repair
    Patent number: 9492160
    Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor 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 anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Torrie, George Sikora, Raymond A. Bojarski, Steven W. Ek
  • Suture system and method
    Patent number: 9492200
    Abstract: A suture system including a suture construct having a first reduction construct configured to be selectively arranged in an expanded state and a reduced state. The first reduction construct includes a first locking limb, a first contractible loop, and a first opposed loop disposed generally opposite to the first contractible loop, wherein reduction of the first opposed loop contracts the first contractible loop from the expanded state into the reduced state and secures the suture construct in the reduced state. The suture construct may also include a second reduction construct. Optionally, the suture system includes a first and a second pusher tube defining a first and a second lumen, respectively, wherein each pusher tubes are advanced over portions of opposed loops, respectively, and wherein distal portions of opposed loops extend beyond the pusher tubes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • System and method for joint resurfacing and repair
    Patent number: 9468448
    Abstract: An implant resection system for preparing an implant site to replace a defect in an articular surface of a first bone includes a first guide configured to be coupled generally to the first bone. The first guide includes a body portion defining a channel configured to receive a pin, wherein the pin is configured to penetrate and form a longitudinally disposed bore within the first bone. The implant resection system further includes a second guide configured to be coupled generally perpendicular to the first bone proximate to the defect by way of the bore. The second guide includes a drill bit configured to form an excision site through a portion of the articular surface in preparation of receipt of an implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • GLENOID REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
    Publication number: 20160287266
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for repairing a defect on a portion of an articular surface of a human body, particularly of the glenoid. More particularly, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for repairing both a glenoid cavity and a glenoid rim of the glenoid using a single implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek, Nikhil T. Jawrani
  • Retrograde resection apparatus and method
    Patent number: 9358029
    Abstract: A retrograde resection apparatus may include a cutting blade including a slot defined in the cutting blade, a recess defined in at least a portion of the slot, a screw, including a proximal end and a distal end defining a bore therethrough, a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the shaft passes through the bore and the distal end is configured to be received in the recess, and a biasing device configured to bias the shaft against the cutting blade. In addition, the apparatus may include a tether, a first portion of which is affixed to the cutting blade and a second portion of which passes through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Tim Brightman, Steven W. Ek
  • System and method for joint resurface repair
    Patent number: 9357989
    Abstract: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Tallarida, Steven W. Ek
  • Trochlear resurfacing system and method
    Patent number: 9351745
    Abstract: A system for repairing a defect on an articular surface of a patient's trochlear region, the system comprising a guide block comprising a body having an exterior surface configured to engage with the saddle portion and ridge portions of the patient's trochlear region, a protrusion extending generally from the body and configured to be received in a first bore formed in the articular surface along a reference axis, and a first cavity extending through the body configured to establish a first working axis displaced from the reference axis, wherein the exterior surface of the body and the protrusion are configured to secure the location of the guide block about the patient's trochlear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven W. Ek, George Sikora
  • System for Articular Surface Replacement
    Publication number: 20160106444
    Abstract: A system for replacing a portion of an articular surface including providing an implant site and installing an implant into the implant site. The implant site includes a first and a second excision site which at least partially intersect with one another. Each of the first and second excision sites are formed by providing a respective axis and excising a portion of the articular surface relative to the respective axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Steven W. Ek
  • Methods for tissue repair
    Patent number: 9295461
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, George Sikora, Paul Alexander Torrie, Steven W. Ek
  • Glenoid resurfacing system and method
    Patent number: 9283076
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing a defect on an articular surface. An excision guide is positioned on an articular surface, wherein the excision guide includes a guide head and a guide sleeve disposed on the guide head, wherein the guide head includes a contact surface configured to locate the excision guide relative to the articular surface. A guide pin may be advanced through the guide sleeve and secured to the articular surface, wherein the guide sleeve is configured to receive the guide pin therethrough and position the guide pin at an angle ? relative to an axis generally normal and central to a defect on the articular surface, wherein angle ? is less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • Sheaths for implantable fixation devices
    Patent number: 9265601
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, Paul A. Torrie, Frazer Harvie, Steven W. Ek
  • System and method for joint resurface repair
    Patent number: 9204873
    Abstract: A system for positioning an element relative to an articular surface. An embodiment of the system may include a first element having a positional reference relative to an articular surface. The system may further include a second element capable of indicating the positional reference of the first element relative to said articular surface. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Tallarida, Steven W. Ek
  • Delivery System for Articular Surface Implant
    Publication number: 20150250472
    Abstract: A implant delivery system for securing an implant to an anchor. The implant delivery system includes a driver including a shaft, a biasing body having a first end region configured to engage said driver and a second end region configured to engage a portion of an implant, and a suture extending between the anchor and the shaft of the driver. The driver may be rotated to reduce the length of the suture between the driver and the anchor and generate a biasing force urging the implant into engagement with the anchor. The biasing force is substantially not transmitted to the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Steven W. Ek, George Sikora, Timothy Brightman