| DEPUY MITEK, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120130424 | SURGICAL FILAMENT SNARE ASSEMBLIES - A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably connected, to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs which are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose, such as one or more half-hitches, is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs at least through the tissue as a single unit. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130423 | SURGICAL FILAMENT SNARE ASSEMBLIES - A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose on a first portion of at least a first limb and has a second portion connected to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. Preferably, at least one free filament limb, which in some embodiments is a length of the first filament and in other embodiments is a second filament, is capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and has at least one end passable through the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated in bone. The noose strangulates the free filament limb when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limb and the noose. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123473 | CANNULA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARTIAL THICKNESS ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR - A trans-soft tissue anchor implantation system in one embodiment includes a positioning wire having a tissue penetrating distal tip, a cannula for passage through the soft tissue and a suture anchor. The cannula has an axial lumen therethrough sized to accommodate at least the positioning wire, a thin-walled distal portion and a tissue engaging feature, such as an arcuate groove, on at least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula proximal of and adjacent to the distal portion. Tissue, such as a tendon, expands into the groove allowing a surgeon to manipulate the tissue with the cannula. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120083841 | SUTURE ANCHOR WITH SUTURE MANAGEMENT - A suture anchor comprises an anchor body comprising a longitudinal axis and bone engaging external threads oriented for rotation about the longitudinal axis; and a suture attachment on the anchor body rotational with respect to the body about the longitudinal axis whereby to help reduce twisting of one or more sutures which may be attached to the suture attachment as the anchor body is threaded into a bone. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083840 | SUTURE ANCHOR WITH ENHANCED FIXATION - A suture anchor comprises an anchor body having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis and bone engaging external threads oriented for rotation about the longitudinal axis. A longitudinal axial bore extends into the body from its proximal end and at least one lateral passage passes from the axial bore outwardly through the body. A suture attachment element disposed within the axial bore has at least one protruding member having a first position disposed within the axial bore and a second position protruding outwardly from the anchor body through the at least one lateral passage. The protruding member inhibits rotation of the suture anchor body within the bone. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083805 | BONE SUTURE - Devices and methods useful for suturing soft tissue to bone are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bone-suturing device is provided and can include a delivery needle, a delivery needle driving element, a capture needle, and a capture needle driving element. The delivery needle driving element and capture needle driving element can advance the delivery needle and the capture needle through soft tissue and into bone, respectively, and the paths of the delivery needle and the capture needle can intersect therein. The delivery needle can be adapted for holding a suture and the capture needle can be adapted for receiving the suture held by the delivery needle. An injection device can be provided to deliver an adhesive material into bone. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083787 | IMPLEMENT FOR ORIENTATING A TOOL, PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN SURGICAL TOOLS FOR HARVESTING AND IMPLANTING BONE PLUGS TO REPAIR DAMAGED BONE TISSUE - An implement for orientating a tool at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of a target surface to be engaged by the tool, particularly for orientating a surgical cutting tool perpendicularly to bone tissue for harvesting and implanting a bone plug to repair damaged bone tissue, includes a rod having a distal end coupled to a head formed with three contact points arranged in a circular array around the longitudinal axis of the rod, such that the three contact points define a plane. The rod is coupled to the head with the longitudinal axis of the rod at the predetermined angle to the plane defined by the three contact points, such that when the three contact points of the rod are in contact with the target surface, the longitudinal axis of the rod is at the predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the target surface. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120078369 | METHOD OF ANCHORING AUTOLOGOUS OR ARTIFICIAL TENDON GRAFTS IN BONE - An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071976 | IMPLANTABLE CROSS-PIN FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT REPAIR - A novel cross-pin for use in ACL reconstructive surgical procedures. The cross-pin has an elongated body having a distal tapered end. A guide wire opening in the distal end is in communication with a tunnel contained in the distal end. There is a trough extending into the outer surface of the trough for receiving a guide wire. The trough is in communication with the tunnel. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065679 | WIRED SUTURES - Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120041442 | TUNNEL NOTCHER AND GUIDEWIRE DELIVERY DEVICE - A tunnel notcher and guidewire delivery device is provided for creating a notch and positioning a guidewire within a bone tunnel. In general, the device includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends with an inner lumen extending therebetween that is adapted to receive a guidewire. The device also includes a cutting element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member that is adapted to remove bone within an opening of a bone tunnel. In use, the device | 02-16-2012 |
| 20110319895 | FLUTED BONE AWL AND METHOD OF USE - An awl provides for creating an accurate hole in a bone, such as for implantation of a suture anchor. The awl comprises an elongated shaft having a distal tip which terminates in a sharp point adapted to penetrate bone. At least one cutting flute is provided on the shaft and has a longitudinally extending cutting edge formed on the shaft proximal to and adjacent to the sharp point whereby to allow removal of bone via the cutting flute upon rotation of the shaft about a central longitudinal axis thereof inside of the bone. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110301621 | SIDE-LOADED MEDICAL IMPLEMENT PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - A medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery, includes: a handle having a proximal end configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal end for manipulation during the surgery, an internal passageway extending through the handle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, and a longitudinally-extending slot extending longitudinally through the handle from its outer surface to the passageway for side-loading the handle with a manipulatable member to be manipulated during surgery. A shield is located within the passageway in the handle. The shield is secured along one edge to the inner surface of handle defining the passageway, and includes an elastic section normally covering the longitudinally-extending slot. The elastic section of the shield is yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but to prevent a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110288641 | Method and Apparatus for Fixing a Graft in a Bone Tunnel - A method for fixing a bone block in a bone tunnel comprising the steps of placing the bone block in the bone tunnel, advancing spaced-apart first and second metal wires through the bone, transversely of the bone tunnel, so as to intersect the bone block and extend through the bone block, removing one of the wires and replacing the one removed wire with a first absorbable rod, and removing the other of the wires and replacing the other removed wire with a second absorbable rod, whereby to retain the bone block in the bone tunnel with the absorbable rods. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282450 | METHOD OF PERFORMING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION USING BIODEGRADABLE INTERFERENCE SCREW - A method of replacing an ACL with a graft. The method provides for the drilling bone tunnels in a femur and a tibia. A replacement graft is provided having first and second ends. A biodegradable composite screw is provided. The screw is made from a biodegradable polymer and a bioceramic or a bioglass. At least one end of the graft is secured in a bone tunnel using the biodegradable composite screw. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110270308 | PARTIAL THICKNESS ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system is provided for of attaching a rotator cuff tendon to its associated humeral head. The method includes the steps of passing a positional guide through the tendon toward the humeral head at a target site and positioning a suture anchor between the humeral head and the tendon at the target site by passing the suture anchor under the tendon. The suture anchor is driven into the humeral head and suture is passed from the suture anchor and through the tendon to attach the tendon to the humeral head at the target site. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110264140 | KNOTLESS SUTURE ANCHOR - A suture anchor is disclosed having an outer body with an axial bore which receives and inner body for rotation. Suture passes between the inner body and outer body and rotation of the inner body wraps the suture thereabout locking the suture thereto. Rotation of the inner body also effects radial expansion of at least a portion of the outer body to engage to anchor into a bone hole. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257558 | TISSUE EXTRACTION AND MACERATION DEVICE - Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110257557 | Tissue Extraction and Collection Device - Methods and device for extracting and collecting tissue, which can be used for example in tissue engineering and grafting applications, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device can include an outer tube. A rotatable shaft can be disposed within the outer tube can have a tissue harvesting tip formed on its distal end, the tissue harvesting tip being effective to excise tissue upon rotation thereof. A tissue collection device can be included to receive and collected excised tissue, and the tissue collection device can indicate the amount of tissue collected therein. For example, the tissue collection device can include a straining element which collects excised tissue and an indicator by which to assess the amount of collected tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue collection device can translate to indicate the amount of collected tissue. In many cases, devices disclosed herein can include driving mechanisms that are adapted to drive a tissue harvesting tip such that the tip excises soft tissue, but stops when contacting bone (or soon after contacting bone). In some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tip can be effective to excise viable tissue samples, such that the samples can exhibit desirable proportions of viable cells. Further, in some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tips can excise a tissue sample with tissue particles falling in certain size ranges. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110177134 | Viable Tissue Repair Implants and Methods of Use - Biocompatible tissue implants are provided for repairing a tissue injury or defect. The tissue implants comprise a biological tissue slice that serves as a source of viable cells capable of tissue regeneration and/or repair. The biological tissue slice can be harvested from healthy tissue to have a geometry that is suitable for implantation at the site of the injury or defect. The harvested tissue slice is dimensioned to allow the viable cells contained within the tissue slice to migrate out and proliferate and integrate with tissue surrounding the injury or defect site. Methods for repairing a tissue injury or defect using the tissue implants are also provided. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110171186 | CHONDROCYTE THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY SYSTEM - Systems and methods for modifying the environment of target cell using genetically altered chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express a therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110152930 | SUTURE ANCHOR INSERTER - An inserter for inserting a suture anchor into bone. The inserter has external markings that uniquely identify the orientations and the relative longitudinal positions of at least two suture passages through a suture anchor releasably engaged with the inserter. The markings assist a surgeon in determining a preferred placement and orientation of the anchor at an operative site during a surgical procedure. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152885 | System And Method For Attaching Soft Tissue To Bone - A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110125173 | VAPOR ASSISTED FLUID CUTTING DEVICE AND METHOD - Various methods and devices are provided for cutting tissue using a high pressure fluid jet. In one exemplary embodiment, a high pressure fluid jet delivery device is provided having a nozzle adapted to direct fluid to a tissue site. A heating element is disposed on the nozzle and is adapted to heat fluid surrounding a high pressure fluid jet flowing from the nozzle to form at least one vapor bubble. The vapor bubble can reduce the interaction between the high pressure fluid jet and the fluid surrounding the high pressure fluid jet. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110112641 | EXPANDING LIGAMENT GRAFT FIXATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A graft fixation system for fixing graft material in a bone tunnel includes an expandable fixation member having a graft receiving eyelet disposed proximate its distal end, opposed bone engaging elements disposed about its periphery, and an expansion plug receiving opening defined in its proximal end. The system also includes an expansion plug having a diameter greater than the diameter of the expansion plug receiving opening so that forcible insertion of the expansion plug into the expansion plug receiving opening causes an expansion of the expandable fixation member driving the opposed bone engaging elements apart so as to fix the bone engaging elements, as well as the graft material, in a bone tunnel. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110098728 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - Apparatuses for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an expandable body defining a bore, an expander pin having a shaft sized to be received in the bore of the expandable body, and an insertion shaft slidingly disposed in the bore of the expandable body and in a bore of the expander pin. The body is configured to expand laterally into and attach to bone when the expander pin is driven into the expandable body. The body includes a proximal main member having a distally extending threaded projection and a harder, distal tip member having a threaded recess in a proximal surface thereof such that the projection is threadedly interengageable with the recess. The expansion of the body by way of the pin can occur when the proximal main member and distal tip member are threadedly engaged. The insertion shaft is releasably secured to the expandable body and extends distally beyond the expandable body. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110097381 | CONFORMABLE TISSUE REPAIR IMPLANT CAPABLE OF INJECTION DELIVERY - A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110091517 | BIOCOMPATIBLE SCAFFOLDS WITH TISSUE FRAGMENTS - A biocompatible tissue repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of tissue injuries, particularly injuries to cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair. The biocompatible tissue repair implants include a biocompatible scaffold and particles of living tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110087283 | ABSORBABLE BONE ANCHOR - A bone anchor is provided that can toggle in two planes for secure anchorage within a bone cavity. The bone anchor includes an oblique suture channel configured such that a suture strand extending through the bone anchor can be tensioned to toggle the bone anchor inside the bone cavity. The suture strand can be located on the same side of the anchor body to maximize the area of the anchor surface which engages bone, resulting in increased engagement into bone and resistance to tensile forces. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110022061 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING TISSUE - Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110009963 | BIOCOMPATIBLE SCAFFOLD FOR LIGAMENT OR TENDON REPAIR - A biocompatible ligament repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of ligament tissue injuries. The repair procedures may be conducted with ligament repair implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair. The biocompatible ligament repair implants include a biocompatible scaffold and particles of viable tissue derived from ligament tissue or tendon tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100249801 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING AND AFFIXING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249758 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREPARING AND IMPLANTING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100185238 | CANNULATED SUTURE ANCHOR - Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185199 | BIOABSORBABLE COATINGS OF SURGICAL DEVICES - Bioabsorbable coatings for bioabsorbable implantable medical devices having dragging or engagement surfaces. The coatings on a surface of the devices reduce device drag. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100161055 | FLEXIBLE TIBIAL SHEATH - A radially expandable sheath is provided having a substantially closed distal end with at least two sidewalls extending proximally therefrom and defining a central lumen. Each sidewall can have a substantially concave outer surface adapted to seat a graft member, and each side wall is at least partially separated by a longitudinally oriented slot that extends from a proximal end along a substantial length of each sidewall. The slot preferably terminates at a position just proximal to the distal end. The device can also include a sheath expander that is adapted to be disposed in the central lumen of the radially expandable sheath and that is configured to flex the sidewalls to radially expand the sheath so as to fix a graft member within a bone tunnel. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160959 | SURGICAL FASTENING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100121448 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING A GRAFT IN A BONE TUNNEL - A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121339 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING A GRAFT IN A BONE TUNNEL - A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100057142 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING A GRAFT IN A BONE TUNNEL - A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100030222 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING A GRAFT IN A BONE TUNNEL - A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100022915 | TISSUE EXTRACTION AND MACERATION DEVICE - Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20090287246 | KNOTLESS INTERFACE FOR THREADED ANCHOR - Devices and methods for anchoring tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes a bone screw and a collar that can be configured to rotate independent of the bone screw. In one aspect, the collar can be rotatably disposed on a cylindrical seating portion of the bone screw. The collar can include an eyelet and a hook that is angularly offset from the eyelet. In use, a suture loop can be fixedly attached to the collar through the eyelet. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090280142 | METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS - A method of detecting osteoporosis in a mammalian is disclosed herein which includes:
| 11-12-2009 |
| 20090204081 | COMPRESSION EXPANDED CANNULA - Various methods and devices are provided for accessing an interior surgical site using an access portal which can be inserted and removed with minimal tissue damage and which can form a seal with tissue while inserted. Generally, a device is provided having a rigid elongate surgical access member with a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive a surgical tool. The device can also include a flexible sleeve having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member. A substantially rigid collar is provided disposed adjacent to a proximal end of the flexible sleeve and having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to receive the elongate surgical access member. In an exemplary embodiment, the collar is movable relative to the elongate surgical access member to selectively configure the flexible sleeve in a relaxed condition in which the flexible sleeve has a relatively smooth outer tissue-contacting surface and a compressed condition in which the flexible sleeve has a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer tissue-contacting surface that are configured to create a seal between the outer tissue-contacting surface and tissue. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090162386 | CHONDROCYTE THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY SYSTEM - Systems and methods for modifying the environment of target cell using genetically altered chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express a therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090099598 | SELF-LOCKING SUTURE ANCHOR - A tissue anchor having a length of filament held so that an applied force greater than a threshold force will cause the filament to move longitudinally, while an applied force less than the threshold force will not move the filament, and methods of attaching soft tissue to bone using such an anchor. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090093880 | APPARATUS AND METHOS FOR RECONSTRUCTING A LIGAMENT - Apparatus and method is disclosed for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, and passing the second free end through the opposite end of a second free end through the opposite end of second bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the first bone tunnel. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090076545 | METHODS FOR ANCHORING SUTURE TO BONE - Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The suture anchor can also include at least a proximal portion having dual threads to facilitate engagement with bone. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076544 | DUAL THREAD CANNULATED SUTURE ANCHOR - Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The suture anchor can also include at least a proximal portion having dual threads to facilitate engagement with bone. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20080234715 | Tissue Extraction and Collection Device - Methods and device for extracting and collecting tissue, which can be used for example in tissue engineering and grafting applications, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device can include an outer tube. A rotatable shaft can be disposed within the outer tube can have a tissue harvesting tip formed on its distal end, the tissue harvesting tip being effective to excise tissue upon rotation thereof A tissue collection device can be included to receive and collected excised tissue, and the tissue collection device can indicate the amount of tissue collected therein. For example, the tissue collection device can include a straining element which collects excised tissue and an indicator by which to assess the amount of collected tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue collection device can translate to indicate the amount of collected tissue. In many cases, devices disclosed herein can include driving mechanisms that are adapted to drive a tissue harvesting tip such that the tip excises soft tissue, but stops when contacting bone (or soon after contacting bone). In some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tip can be effective to excise viable tissue samples, such that the samples can exhibit desirable proportions of viable cells. Further, in some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tips can excise a tissue sample with tissue particles falling in certain size ranges. | 09-25-2008 |
