Patents by Inventor Jennifer S. Harper
Jennifer S. Harper has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING SEALING PARAMETERS BASED ON SENSED TISSUE CHARACTERISTICS
Publication number: 20220313350Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne -
Patent number: 11389229Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
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Patent number: 11154345Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
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Publication number: 20190282296Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
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Patent number: 10335226Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
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Publication number: 20180338788Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
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Patent number: 10039588Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
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Patent number: 9839467Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
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Patent number: 9370393Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
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Publication number: 20150282875Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
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Patent number: 9060798Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
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Publication number: 20140155893Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: EDWARD M. CHOJIN, DAVID M. GARRISON, JENNIFER S. HARPER, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JESSICA E.C. OLSON, KATHY E. ROOKS, GENEVA LADTKOW
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Publication number: 20140107648Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
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Patent number: 8685016Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Patent number: 8647343Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
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Patent number: 8556929Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
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Patent number: 8216223Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Patent number: 8147485Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Publication number: 20110319886Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
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Publication number: 20110190653Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne