Steven E Fitts

US Patent:

7175632, Feb 13, 2007

Filed:

Sep 9, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/658052

Inventors:

Steven E. Fitts - Ridge Manor FL, US
Giuseppe Lombardo - New Port Richey FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/17

US Classification:

606 98, 606 80, 606 96, 606 88

Abstract:

A two piece graft fixation arrangement includes a graft block engageable with a graft and a transverse member engageable with the graft block to fix the graft block in a bone tunnel. Instruments and methods are presented for installing a graft in a bone tunnel and anchoring the graft with a transverse member placed through a transverse bore intersecting the bone tunnel.

US Patent:

7338492, Mar 4, 2008

Filed:

Oct 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/693464

Inventors:

Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61F 2/30

US Classification:

606 72, 606 98, 623 1312

Abstract:

A two piece graft fixation arrangement includes a graft block engageable with a graft and a transverse member engageable with the graft block to fix the graft block in a bone tunnel. Instruments and methods are presented for installing a graft in a bone tunnel and anchoring the graft with a transverse member placed through a transverse bore intersecting the bone tunnel.

US Patent:

7678138, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

May 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/438510

Inventors:

Steven E. Fitts - Ridge Manor FL, US
Drew Powell Amery - Clearwater FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/56

US Classification:

606300, 623 1312

Abstract:

In one aspect of the invention, a cross-pin includes a distal portion having an axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. A proximal cylindrical portion includes a threaded exterior surface. A junction may be interposed between the distal and proximal portions to enable the proximal portion to rotate relative to the distal portion. In another aspect of the invention, a graft retaining system for retaining a graft in a bone tunnel includes a graft block having a proximal end and a distal end, and sized to fit within the bone tunnel. A cross pin transverse to the bone tunnel attaches the graft block adjacent the tunnel. An intermediate connector is attached to the graft block at a point distal to the cross pin and connects the graft to the graft block so as to apply compressive forces to the graft block.

US Patent:

7704262, Apr 27, 2010

Filed:

Jun 18, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/872246

Inventors:

Mark A. Bellafiore - Clearwater FL, US
Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US
Peter C. Miller - Largo FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606144

Abstract:

A suture needle instrument having improved connection means enabling a hollow suture needled to be attached to a handle in a variety of orientations. The suture needle is provided with user accessible suture channels and suture advancing wheels to facilitate cleaning and repair.

US Patent:

8162978, Apr 24, 2012

Filed:

Mar 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/079097

Inventors:

Giuseppe Lombardo - New Port Richey FL, US
Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606232

Abstract:

A knotless suture anchor for deployment in a preformed bone hole to secure soft tissue to bone. The suture anchor comprises a hollow outer member and a hollow inner member longitudinally movable within the outer member. Suture is directed along a tortuous path distally through the lumens of both the inner and outer members, transversely across an eyelet situated at the distal end of the inner member and proximally through the lumens of both the inner and outer members. A suture-locking mechanism engaged the suture-locking mechanism by moving the inner member proximally relative to the outer member is provided along the tortuous path to crimp the suture by placing the anchor in a suture locked configuration. The inner member is provided with radially outwardly extending prongs which pass through slots in the outer member in order to engage bone surrounding the bone hole.

US Patent:

8409252, Apr 2, 2013

Filed:

Jun 18, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/487280

Inventors:

Giuseppe Lombardo - New Port Richey FL, US
Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606232

Abstract:

An anchoring device for deployment in a pre-formed hole to secure soft tissue to bone. Embodiments of the anchoring device include an outer member and an inner member that moves relative to the outer member from a suture-unlocked position to a suture-locked position. The inner member further includes an elongated projection with a proximal end that defines an outer dimension. In one embodiment, the elongated projection is configured to interface with a portion of the outer member so as to change the outer dimension in a manner that causes the elongated projection to displace a portion of the bone.

US Patent:

20090270886, Oct 29, 2009

Filed:

Jun 15, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/456229

Inventors:

Mark A. Bellafiore - Clearwater FL, US
Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606146, 606139

Abstract:

A suture needle instrument having improved connection means enabling a hollow suture needled to be attached to a handle in a variety of orientations. The suture needle is provided with user accessible suture channels and suture advancing wheels to facilitate cleaning and repair.

US Patent:

20110224726, Sep 15, 2011

Filed:

Apr 8, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/756554

Inventors:

Giuseppe Lombardo - New Port Richey FL, US
Steven E. Fitts - Largo FL, US
Peter C. Miller - Largo FL, US

Assignee:

Linvatec Corporation - Largo FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606232

Abstract:

There is described a suture anchor with anchor members moveable as between a suture-unlocked configuration and suture-locked configuration. In one embodiment, the anchor members include an outer anchor member with features, e.g., flexible barbs, configured to secure the suture anchor in the suture-locked configuration to material proximate a pre-formed hole in bone material. The outer anchor member is also configured with a bore to receive suture material, and which is sized and shaped to receive an inner anchor member therein. The inner anchor member includes securing features such as projections that compress the suture material against the surface of the bore when the suture anchor is actuated from the suture-unlocked configuration to the suture-locked configuration.