Thomas J Winters

US Patent:

6464706, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Aug 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/638370

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL 32789

International Classification:

A61B 1756

US Classification:

606 73, 623 1314

Abstract:

A system for fixing soft tissue within a bone tunnel includes a first fixation member that is adapted for insertion against a piece of soft tissue positioned within a bone tunnel, with a portion of the soft tissue emerging therefrom. The first fixation member has a proximal end and a distal end. A second fixation member can engage the first fixation member at its proximal end and also can prevent the first fixation members proximal end from passing into the bone tunnel. The proximal end has barbs for engaging the soft tissues second portion. Another element is engageable with the second fixation member for extracting it from engagement with the soft tissues second portion.

US Patent:

6565534, May 20, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/652684

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL 32789

International Classification:

A61M 100

US Classification:

604151, 604289

Abstract:

A system for delivering an anaesthetic-containing fluid to a desired site in a patient includes a catheter for channeling the fluid into a unitary portal penetrating a body. A pump capable of delivering fluid at a constant flow rate is dimensioned to retain sufficient fluid for at least a one-day delivery and is adapted to permit being affixed to the body to permit portability. A fluid line, such as tubing, transports fluid from the pump to the catheter. A kit further includes an introducer needle dimensioned to permit the catheter to pass therethrough. A method of relieving pain at a surgical site postoperatively over an extended period of time includes the steps of inserting an anaesthetic-containing fluid into a pump interior having a capacity sufficient for at least a two-day delivery. The skin of a patient is punctured with an introducer needle at a desired site adjacent the surgical site, and an epidural-type catheter is passed through the introducer needle, which is then removed, leaving the catheter at the desired site. The catheter connects tubing to the pump interior, and fluid is permitted to flow from the pump to the desired site.

US Patent:

61237116, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

Jun 10, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/329563

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL

International Classification:

A61B 1756
A61B 1758
A61F 230

US Classification:

606 73

Abstract:

A system for fixing soft tissue within a bone tunnel includes a first fixation member that is adapted for insertion upon a piece of soft tissue positioned within a bone tunnel, with a portion of the soft tissue emerging therefrom. A second fixation member is adapted to engage the first fixation member at its proximal end and is restrainable against disengagement therewith. The proximal end has an element for engaging the soft tissue. In a particular embodiment the first fixation member includes a screw having a bore extending from the proximal end and the second fixation member has a distal post portion adapted for mating with the bore and driving the screw rotationally thereby. The second fixation member may include a tack member and a barbed washer that is rotatable about the post and retainable by a head portion on the tack member. The barbs on the washer are for engaging and restraining a movement of the soft tissue outside the bone tunnel. Alternatively, the second fixation member may include a tack-type element that has a barbed head.

US Patent:

50592165, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

Sep 29, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/414804

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL

International Classification:

A61F 238

US Classification:

623 20

Abstract:

During the course of a total knee replacement, at least one and preferably a number of different low friction members having rotated artificial surfaces of different rotated angles are provided in order to determine the appropriate angle and displacement of the aritificial prominence and plateaus on the low friction members, so that the appropriate low friction member may thereafter be permanently installed during the total knee replacement in order to recreate the optimal position.

US Patent:

61937045, Feb 27, 2001

Filed:

Jun 10, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/329564

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Orlando FL

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604500

Abstract:

A system for delivering an anaesthetic-containing fluid to a desired site in a patient includes a catheter for channeling the fluid into a unitary portal penetrating a body. A pump capable of delivering fluid at a constant flow rate is dimensioned to retain sufficient fluid for at least a one-day delivery and is adapted to permit being affixed to the body to permit portability. A fluid line, such as tubing, transports fluid from the pump to the catheter. A kit further includes an introducer needle dimensioned to permit the catheter to pass therethrough. A method of relieving pain at a surgical site postoperatively over an extended period of time includes the steps of inserting an anaesthetic-containing fluid into a pump interior having a capacity sufficient for at least a two-day delivery. The skin of a patient is punctured with an introducer needle at a desired site adjacent the surgical site, and an epidural-type catheter is passed through the introducer needle, which is then removed, leaving the catheter at the desired site. The catheter connects tubing to the pump interior, and fluid is permitted to flow from the pump to the desired site.

US Patent:

55692524, Oct 29, 1996

Filed:

Sep 27, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/312999

Inventors:

Daniel F. Justin - Orlando FL
Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL

International Classification:

A61B 1768

US Classification:

606 73

Abstract:

A fastener, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tear in soft tissue of a patient, a particular exemplary embodiment comprising a meniscal tear in a knee. The fastener has a variable-pitch helical protrusion along a central portion that decreases from the distal end to the proximal end, which can serve to bring two sides of the tear into apposition as the fastener is advanced across the two sides of the tear in a screwing motion. The fastener material preferably is a biodegradable, biocompatible, nontoxic plastic that is specifically designed to be biodegradable generally within the time span of the healing process. A delivery device for introducing the fastener is also provided that includes an elongated needle rotationally coupled with the fastener, the turning of which turns the fastener, advancing the fastener into the tissue. The method of repairing the tear entails manipulating the fastener/delivery device system adjacent and normal to the tear axis and driving the fastener across the tear.

US Patent:

57307440, Mar 24, 1998

Filed:

Jun 5, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/461870

Inventors:

Daniel F. Justin - Orlando FL
Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL

International Classification:

A61B 1768

US Classification:

606 73

Abstract:

A fastener, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tear in soft tissue of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee. The fastener has a variable-pitch helical protrusion along a central portion that decreases from the distal end to the proximal end, for bringing two sides of the tear into apposition as the fastener is advanced across the two sides of the tear in a screwing motion. A buttress form of helical protrusion is used for resisting axial forces from pulling the fastener out of the tear and from pulling the two sides of the tear apart. The fastener material preferably is a biodegradable, biocompatible, nontoxic plastic that is specifically designed to biodegrade generally within the time span of the healing process. A delivery device for introducing the fastener is also provided that includes an elongated needle rotationally coupled with the fastener, the turning of which turns the fastener, advancing the fastener into the tissue. The method of repairing the tear entails manipulating the fastener/delivery device system adjacent and normal to the tear axis and driving the fastener across the tear.

US Patent:

50592068, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

Apr 12, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/336803

Inventors:

Thomas F. Winters - Winter Park FL

International Classification:

A61B 1704

US Classification:

606213

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for repairing a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient utilizes a delivery device having a distal end dimensioned to extend into the interior of the patient's knee. A fastener is fitted within the distal end and is manipulated to extend toward the tear in the meniscus, and extended across the tear to close and bind the tear without passing out of the knee.