For decades, most patients with jaw fractures or undergoing other types of jaw surgery were put into maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with arch bars and wires. In more recent years, new methods such as hybrid systems were introduced that use wire and screws. Although these methods are effective to achieve MMF, they can cause significant pain and injury to the patient's mouth, gum and teeth. After completing facial trauma surgical training and experiencing both the traditional and newer MMF methods, it became clear to Alan W. Johnson, MD, that a new and better solution was needed.

Dr. Johnson joined the Medical Device Center Innovation Program at the University of Minnesota in August of 2012. His goal was to learn about medical device innovation and explore ways to improve upon the existing methods for MMF. In addition to his facial trauma surgical training, Dr. Johnson's education and background in engineering would help him develop an innovative new technology that would be less traumatic and painful for patients, save time for surgeons, and reduce cost for the health systems.

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After Dr. Johnson conceptualized and created an initial prototype of his concept, the University of Minnesota approached Summit Medical (an Innovia Medical company) to collaborate on the project. Summit Medical enthusiastically agreed, and the team got to work in collaboration with Dr. Johnson. The Minne Ties concept went through design and development stages once again with its new team, bringing the invention to a finished product. This process led to the creation of the new and improved version of the first prototype, which is now the FDA 510(k) cleared and commercialized product known today as Minne Ties® Agile MMF.

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Minne Ties are a first-of-a-kind product in many ways. Not only are Minne Ties an innovative solution that is impacting how MMF standards are defined, but it is also the first product to be commercialized from the University of Minnesota's Medical Device Center Innovation Program. In June 2018, it was also honored with a Silver award at the 20th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) competition in the ER and OR Tools, Equipment, and Supplies product category.

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In February 2019, Invisian Medical acquired the Minne Ties technology from Summit Medical. Invisian Medical has worldwide rights and is solely focused on commercialization of Minne Ties, with the goal of establishing the technology as an additional tool to improve the efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness of jaw surgeries that require MMF.  Invisian Medical continues to collaborate with Dr. Johnson and other surgeons to identify clinical best practices with Minne Ties that can be shared with the broader surgeon community.