Patents Examined by Ronald Hupczey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11065048
    Abstract: A flexible assembly of a motor driven surgical system may include a flexible shaft circuit strip and a knife bar having a first laminated plate disposed along a first side of the circuit strip and a second laminated plate disposed along a second side of the circuit strip. The knife bar may reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of the circuit strip. Each laminated plate may be composed of a pair of laminated plates. The flexible assembly may include a first leaf spring disposed between the first side of the circuit strip and the first laminated plate, and a second leaf spring disposed between the second side of the circuit strip and the second laminated plate. The flexible assembly may be disposed within at least a portion of a distal portion of an articulating shaft and at least a portion of an articulation connector of the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11058478
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to a bipolar electrosurgical device for a laparoscopic environment, as well as methods for the use of such a device. Embodiments of the device may include a set of opposing jaws comprising at least one bipolar electrode pair disposed thereon, the set of jaws configured to deliver radiofrequency energy to a target tissue. Embodiments of the set of jaws, when closed, may have a diameter no greater than about 5 mm. The device may further include a shaft with a diameter that may be no greater than about 5 mm. Each of the jaws has a tissue-facing surface of each jaw that may include a complementary self-aligning configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the other jaw. Embodiments of the device may further include a pinless rotation assembly formed from rotatably cooperative features of the first jaw and the second jaw that connect the jaws together and enable the jaw set to pivot between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: Erik Walberg, Brandon Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 11051875
    Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device is configurable in a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode using a three-conductor electrical input. The device includes a switching mechanism that provides signals corresponding with a first function and a second function in a monopolar mode. The switching mechanism also provides a signal corresponding with a third function in a bipolar mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: David Hubelbank, Roger D. Greeley
  • Patent number: 11051874
    Abstract: A forceps-type electrosurgical device is disclosed comprising, a fixed elongate body and a pair of moveable tips, arranged for engaging tissue in use, and extending from a forward end of the body. The tips are relatively moveable between a first position in which the tips are spaced apart and a second position in which the tips are brought together. The body further comprising an actuation member moveable relative to the body and connected to the tips such that a user may move the actuation member to result in movement of the tips between the first and second positions. The device may further comprise a suction port proximal to the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Gerard Brooke
  • Patent number: 11045275
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a resilient member. The body includes an electrical conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The clamp arm is pivotably coupled with the body at a pivot assembly. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm includes an electrode operable to apply RF energy to tissue, wherein the clamp arm is configured to be loaded onto and removed from the body at the pivot assembly along a path that is transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the body. The resilient member is located within the pivot assembly. The resilient member is configured to provide electrical continuity between the electrode of the clamp arm and the electrical conductor of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Phillip H. Clauda, John B. Schulte, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Timothy S. Holland, Ryan M. Asher, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Brian D. Black, Kristen G. Denzinger, Amy L. Benchek
  • Patent number: 11039884
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device (10) comprises a feed line (22), a microwave radiator and a device outer sheath (46) in which at least part of the feed line (22) is contained. The sheath (46) in use, allows an irrigation liquid to flow therethrough, wherein the feed line has a junction (38) with the radiator (22) has an outer conducting shield (28) terminating and insulated at the junction (38). The feed line (22) has a conductive core (32) that extends to the radiator (24). The conductive core forms a radiating element (34) electrically insulated from its surrounding environment. The radiator (24) is unbalanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignees: The University of Sydney, Western Sydney Local Health District
    Inventors: Pierre Qian, Michael Anthony Barry
  • Patent number: 11033321
    Abstract: A new method for the ablation of undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of the undesirable tissue through the application of electrical pulses causing irreversible electroporation of the cells throughout the entire area of the undesirable tissue. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The amount of tissue ablation achievable through the use of irreversible electroporation without inducing thermal damage is considerable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Rafael Davalos, Boris Rubinsky
  • Patent number: 11033290
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tissue removal device. The tissue removal device may include a distal portion. The distal portion may include an outer distal portion including a tissue removal tool, and an inner distal portion positioned within the outer distal portion and having a closed distal end, a lumen, and at least one side port, wherein the lumen is configured to receive a medical device, and the inner distal portion is movable relative to the outer distal portion and the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC
    Inventor: Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11020173
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing forward fluid delivery through an electrosurgical device, while avoiding coring when energy is delivered to the electrosurgical device. The device has a distal face defining an opening, with the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion. An embodiment of the electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue includes an elongate member defining a lumen for receiving a fluid; a distal face defining at least one aperture; and the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion cooperating to produce an elongated cut in a tissue when electrical energy is delivered to the distal face while avoiding coring of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Baylis Medical Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth Davies, John Paul Urbanski, Ellen Harfield, Mahmood Mirza, Yun Uhm, Linus Leung, Ferryl Alley
  • Patent number: 11020200
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm assembly, and a detent assembly. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp arm pivotably coupled with the body at a pivot assembly. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The detent assembly is configured to provide tactile resistance to pivotal movement of the clamp arm relative to the body beyond a predefined pivot angle. The detent assembly is configured to permit pivotal movement of the clamp arm relative to the body beyond a predefined pivot angle upon application of a force sufficient to overcome the tactile resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Monica L. Zeckel
  • Patent number: 11007004
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a first jaw and a second jaw transitionable between open and closed configurations. The first jaw comprises a first grasping surface that forms a first electrode configured to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy and the second jaw comprises a second grasping surface that forms a second electrode configured to receive the RF energy. Each jaw comprises grasping features that are configured to cooperate with the opposing grasping features. The surgical instrument further includes a tissue adhering portion disposed on an exterior of the end effector. The end effector is attached to the shaft by an articulation joint comprising a multi-axial range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Charles J. Scheib, Tamara Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 11006998
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for wireless radio frequency lesioning are provided. In some embodiments, a system for wireless radio frequency comprises: a wireless radiofrequency device, comprising: a receiving coil, a plurality of capacitors coupled in parallel to the receiving coil, a first electrode, and a second electrode, wherein a capacitor of the plurality of capacitors is connected between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein capacitances of the plurality of capacitors cause the receiving coil to pair with a transmitter at an operating frequency; a transmitter comprising at least one transmitting coil; and a radiofrequency generator configured to apply a radiofrequency signal at the operating signal to the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Chun Tang, Michael Vaninetti
  • Patent number: 10987155
    Abstract: Bipolar forceps of the type where each of the prongs has a manually engageable portion spaced from the tip for manual squeezing of the prongs and an electrical supply system for applying a high-frequency electric current between tool tips to dissect through tissue planes and/or seal blood vessels includes a set of force measuring sensors for measuring forces, particularly squeezing forces, applied to the prongs at the tip. A temperature sensor is included to provide temperature information and temperature compensation. The sensors are applied to each prong in opposing pairs on the inside and outside surfaces and the outputs thereof are applied to a bridge arrangement. The signals are sent to a processor for generating warning signals and for recording forces for training purposes where a haptic system can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Garnette Roy Sutherland, Kourosh Zareinia, Liu Shi Gan, Tomas Jens Hirmer, Sanju Lama
  • Patent number: 10987165
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kyle R. Rick, Joseph A. Paulus, Darion R. Peterson, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 10980596
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a treatment tip that comprises both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. As the treatment tip contacts the epithelial mucosa, the tip cools the mucosa by contact, and delivers energy through the epithelium to the underlying tissue, thereby creating a reverse thermal gradient. The effect of the applied heat is to remodel genital tissue by tightening it. Such remodeling may include a tighter vagina and a tighter introitus. The tightening may be a consequence of thermal denaturation of collagen as well as a longer term healing response in the tissue that includes an increased deposition of collagen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Viveve, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Parmer
  • Patent number: 10973566
    Abstract: Instrument and systems for applying ablative energy to epicardial tissue via a subxiphoid access surgical approach. The instrument has a head assembly sized and shaped for a subxiphoid surgical approach to a patient's heart and defines a contact face. The head assembly includes a paddle body, a first ablation electrode, and a second ablation electrode. The ablation electrodes are coupled to the paddle body in a spaced apart, spatially-fixed fashion. The ablation electrodes are exteriorly exposed at the contact face. A tubular member extends from the head assembly and maintains wiring connected to the ablation electrodes. The instrument is manipulable to locate the contact face on epicardial tissue of a patient's heart via a subxiphoid surgical approach, such as between the left and right pulmonary vein junctions of the posterior left atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James Skarda, Steven Bolling, Daniel Cheek, Brian Ross, Mitchell Strain, Steve Ramberg, Thomas J Conway, Randy Thill
  • Patent number: 10960236
    Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, Inder Raj S. Makin, Brian D. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10960235
    Abstract: A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10952787
    Abstract: An energy-based surgical device includes an elongated outer tube having a distal overhang, a proximal hub, a distal cutting member, and a flat spring. The distal cutting member has a U-shaped cutting edge and defines a mouth with the distal overhang extending therethrough. The flat spring includes a first portion extending distally along an exterior surface of the elongated outer tube and the distal overhang, a second portion extending from the first portion and bent over a free distal end of the distal overhang, and a third portion extending from the second portion proximally through the mouth of the distal cutting member and into the lumen of the elongated outer tube and traverses a majority of a diameter thereof. The distal cutting member and flat spring are adapted to connect to a source for electrosurgical energy for conducting bipolar energy through tissue disposed therebetween to cut tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 10952792
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided for delivering energy to difficult to access tissue regions (e.g. central or peripheral lung tissues), and/or reducing the amount of undesired heat given off during energy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Neuwave Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Thiel, Mark Thom, Richard W. Schefelker, Jeff Bissing, Yaniv Lazimy, Matt Schaning, Dave Anderson