Gretchen Hinton

Title: Innovations by Inventor Gretchen Hinton

Introduction

Gretchen Hinton is an accomplished inventor based in Hillsboro, Oregon. She has made significant contributions to the field of medical devices, particularly in the area of surgical techniques. With a total of three patents to her name, Hinton's work has the potential to enhance surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes.

Latest Patents

Hinton's latest patents include an innovative device for the automatic release of a near bone suture button from a button inserter. This device allows for the easy and effective deployment of a near bone suture button when implementing the suture button technique. The button inserter's handle can be translated away from the deployed far bone button, which changes the position of a carriage body within the handle's channel. This action compresses a spring, allowing protrusions on the carriage body to be forced through notches in the handle, altering the carriage's orientation and releasing the compressed spring. The resulting force induces the carriage to rotate, releasing the near bone button and a free end of suture from the carriage.

Another notable patent involves the design of suture buttons for fixing two bones together. These suture buttons facilitate the implementation of a suture button technique, particularly for repairing syndesmosis injuries in ankles. The first suture button features a pulley peg that extends from the button head, which can be positioned with a bone hole during installation. This design helps protect the suture and reduce potential patient discomfort. The second suture button is designed to flip into place upon deployment from a button inserter, and both buttons work to reduce friction during the installation procedure.

Career Highlights

Gretchen Hinton is currently employed at Acumed, Inc., where she continues to innovate in the medical device sector. Her work has garnered attention for its practical applications in surgical settings, making her a valuable asset to her company and the medical community.

Collaborations

Hinton collaborates with talented individuals such as Joshua P. Federspiel and Ann Nicole Santich, who contribute to her projects and enhance the development of her inventions.

Conclusion

Gretchen Hinton's contributions to the field of medical devices through her innovative patents demonstrate her commitment to improving surgical techniques and patient care. Her work at Acumed, Inc. and collaborations with skilled colleagues further highlight her impact in the industry.