Patents by Inventor T. Wade Fallin

T. Wade Fallin 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).

  • Publication number: 20240382242
    Abstract: A bone screw may be insertable into a bone, and may have a proximal member, a distal member with bone-engaging threads, wherein the distal member is configured to slidably engage the proximal member such that a variable-length cavity is defined within the proximal member and the distal member, and a tension member residing at least partially within the variable-length cavity. The tension member may have a proximal end coupled to the proximal member and a distal end coupled to the distal member such that, in response to motion of the distal member away from the proximal member, the tension member elongates and urges the distal member to move toward the proximal member. The proximal member and the distal member may be interconnected to share bending loads at a bending transmission feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Colin S. GREGERSEN, T. Wade FALLIN, Charles L. SALTZMAN
  • Patent number: 12042138
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a multiple suture threader. Embodiments of the multiple suture threader include a handle that is coupled with a first collapsible loop and a second collapsible loop that is axially offset from the first collapsible loop. In use, one or more sutures are doubled over each of the first and the second collapsible loops such that when the axially spaced loops are passed through a narrow axial passage of a surgical implant, a surgical instrument, or a bodily passage such as a bone tunnel, a twenty-five to fifty percent reduction in suture traffic, or in the maximum number of suture thicknesses that simultaneously pass through the narrow passage, is achieved. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Phinit Phisitkul, Justin Taber, T. Wade Fallin
  • Publication number: 20240238017
    Abstract: A bone fixation assembly may include a male member removably couplable with a female member. The male member may include a male load-sharing feature having at least one male load-sharing surface. The female member may include a female load-sharing feature having at least one female load-sharing surface. The female load-sharing feature may be positioned and shaped to receive the male load-sharing feature therein. In response to a bending load acting on the bone fixation assembly, at least one of the male member and the female member may bend such that, at least a portion of the at least one male load-sharing surface engages with at least a portion of the at least one female load-sharing surface to distribute the bending load between the male member and the female member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Justin HALLER, T. Wade FALLIN, Colin S. GREGERSEN
  • Patent number: 12023047
    Abstract: A trephine may be used to form a tunnel through bone and/or cartilage. The trephine may have a trephine body with a generally tubular shape centered on a trephine body longitudinal axis, and a trephine body distal rim. The trephine may also have a drive shaft that receives torque and transmits the torque to the trephine body. The trephine body distal rim may lie substantially in a plane that is non-perpendicular to the trephine body longitudinal axis. The trephine may further have a cutting tooth extending distally from the trephine body distal rim. The cutting tooth may have a first distal tip and a second distal tip displaced circumferentially from the first distal tip. The trephine may be advanced while rotating to form the tunnel through bone and a first, adjacent cartilage surface of a joint, without breaching a second cartilage surface on the opposite side of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zackery Evans, T. Wade Fallin, Travis G. Maak, Charles L. Saltzman
  • Patent number: 12023080
    Abstract: A bone screw may be insertable into a bone. The bone screw may have a distal member with bone-engaging threads, a proximal member configured to slidably engage the distal member, and a tension member with a proximal end coupled to the proximal member, and a distal end coupled to the distal member such that, in response to motion of the distal member away from the proximal member, the tension member elongates and urges the distal member to move toward the proximal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Colin S. Gregersen, T. Wade Fallin, Charles L. Saltzman, Chase Hagman
  • Patent number: 11998255
    Abstract: A bone screw may be insertable into a bone. The bone screw may have a distal member with bone-engaging threads, a proximal member configured to slidably engage the distal member, and a tension member with a proximal end coupled to the proximal member, and a distal end coupled to the distal member such that, in response to motion of the distal member away from the proximal member, the tension member elongates and urges the distal member to move toward the proximal member. The tension member may be configured such that, at a minimum length of the bone screw, the tension member is pre-stretched so that the tension member is under tension to urge the bone screw to shorten. The bone screw may be inserted in the pre-stretched state. A pre-stretch driver may be used to tension the bone screw prior to or during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Colin S. Gregersen, T. Wade Fallin, Charles L. Saltzman, Chase Hagman
  • Patent number: 11974760
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing an osteotomy on a bone are presented. In one example of the invention, a method of performing an osteotomy on a bone includes removing a portion of bone from a first side of the bone to create a gap on the first side of the bone; making a cut on a second side of the bone, opposite the first side; and rotating the bone from a first position to a second position to close the gap on the first side of the bone and open the cut on the second side of the bone to create a gap on the second side of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Daniel J. Triplett, Robert W. Hoy
  • Patent number: 11937801
    Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to intra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and suture locking anchors that feature elongated sleeves configured to protect the associated bone tunnels from suture wipering, which results in abrasion and enlargement of the bone tunnel and leads to migration of the suture anchors. Embodiments also include suture locking anchors that lock via an interference fit between the suture strand and a receiver of the anchor and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each feature a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the suture strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the suture strand. Further embodiments include intra joint reinforcement and stabilization constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Justin Taber, Matthew Karam, Phinit Phisitkul
  • Patent number: 11903840
    Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods are presented for fixing adjacent bone portions to promote fusion of the bone portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, M. Mary Sinnott, Patrick Michel White
  • Patent number: 11896240
    Abstract: A system for harvesting bone material from a bone may include a rotary cutter defining a rotary cutter longitudinal axis extending between a rotary cutter proximal end and a rotary cutter distal end. The rotary cutter may have a drive shaft configured to receive input torque, and an osteochondral cutter configured to cut the tissue and receive the tissue material in response to rotation of the osteochondral cutter under pressure against the tissue. The system may further include a bone port defining a bone port longitudinal axis extending between a bone port proximal end and a bone port distal end. The bone port may have a bone port cannulation sized to closely fit over the osteochondral cutter. At least one of the bone port proximal end and the bone port distal end may be securable to the tissue. A stratiform tissue graft may be delivered through the bone port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Zackery Evans, T. Wade Fallin, Travis G. Maak, Charles L. Saltzman
  • Publication number: 20240024005
    Abstract: A bone screw may be insertable into a bone. The bone screw may have a distal member with bone-engaging threads, a proximal member configured to slidably engage the distal member, and a tension member with a proximal end coupled to the proximal member, and a distal end coupled to the distal member such that, in response to motion of the distal member away from the proximal member, the tension member elongates and urges the distal member to move toward the proximal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Colin S. GREGERSEN, T. Wade FALLIN, Charles L. SALTZMAN, Chase HAGMAN
  • Publication number: 20230404601
    Abstract: A system for harvesting bone material from a bone may include a rotary cutter defining a rotary cutter longitudinal axis extending between a rotary cutter proximal end and a rotary cutter distal end. The rotary cutter may have a drive shaft configured to receive input torque, and an osteochondral cutter configured to cut the tissue and receive the tissue material in response to rotation of the osteochondral cutter under pressure against the tissue. The system may further include a bone port defining a bone port longitudinal axis extending between a bone port proximal end and a bone port distal end. The bone port may have a bone port cannulation sized to closely fit over the osteochondral cutter. At least one of the bone port proximal end and the bone port distal end may be securable to the tissue. A stratiform tissue graft may be delivered through the bone port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zackery EVANS, T. Wade FALLIN, Travis G. MAAK, Charles L. SALTZMAN
  • Patent number: 11806005
    Abstract: Devices and methods for anchoring soft tissue, tissue grafts, and the like to a bone are provided. In one example, an assembly includes a suture anchor, suture, and inserter. In another example, a method provides for reattaching soft tissue to a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Triplett, T. Wade Fallin
  • Patent number: 11801079
    Abstract: A tether assembly may be attached to a bone to correct a rotational deformity. The bone may have a growth plate that separates a first section of the bone from a second section of the bone. The tether assembly may have a tether member with a first end, a second end, and a central portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first end may have a closed outer wall that defines and fully bounds a first aperture. The second end may have an open outer wall that defines and partially bounds a second aperture. The open outer wall may define a slot in communication with the second aperture. The first and second ends may be securable to the first and second sections of the bone via coupling members inserted through the first and second apertures and anchored in the first and second sections, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Zackery Evans, T. Wade Fallin, Peter M. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20230225771
    Abstract: Examples of devices and methods for stabilizing a fracture in a bone include a body having an elongate distal portion having an outer surface defining a screw thread and an elongate proximal portion having a non-threaded outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: T. Wade FALLIN, M. Mary SINNOTT, Robert W. HOY
  • Patent number: 11701101
    Abstract: Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture securing features able to lock suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventor: T. Wade Fallin
  • Patent number: 11684355
    Abstract: Suture anchors are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CROSSROADS EXTREMITY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Kwan-Ho Chan, James Murphy, T. Wade Fallin, Patrick M. White
  • Patent number: 11660194
    Abstract: A system for harvesting bone material from a bone may include a rotary cutter defining a rotary cutter longitudinal axis extending between a rotary cutter proximal end and a rotary cutter distal end. The rotary cutter may have a drive shaft configured to receive input torque, and an osteochondral cutter configured to cut the tissue and receive the tissue material in response to rotation of the osteochondral cutter under pressure against the tissue. The system may further include a bone port defining a bone port longitudinal axis extending between a bone port proximal end and a bone port distal end. The bone port may have a bone port cannulation sized to closely fit over the osteochondral cutter. At least one of the bone port proximal end and the bone port distal end may be securable to the tissue. A stratiform tissue graft may be delivered through the bone port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Zackery Evans, T. Wade Fallin, Travis G. Maak, Charles L. Saltzman
  • Publication number: 20230149061
    Abstract: A tether assembly may be attached to a bone to correct a rotational deformity. The bone may have a growth plate that separates a first section of the bone from a second section of the bone. The tether assembly may have a tether member with a first end, a second end, and a central portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first end may have a closed outer wall that defines and fully bounds a first aperture. The second end may have an open outer wall that defines and partially bounds a second aperture. The open outer wall may define a slot in communication with the second aperture. The first and second ends may be securable to the first and second sections of the bone via coupling members inserted through the first and second apertures and anchored in the first and second sections, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zackery EVANS, T. Wade FALLIN, Peter M. STEVENS
  • Publication number: 20230111234
    Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to methods, implants, and instruments for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion and an implant together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Medartis AG
    Inventors: T. Wade FALLIN, Daniel J. TRIPLETT