Patents by Inventor Rebecca Coulson

Rebecca Coulson 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).

  • Patent number: 9814518
    Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw. The instruments includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include asymmetrical electrodes disposed on the inner tissue engaging surfaces. A first contact region of the electrode has a greater surface area than that of the second contact region. During resection procedures wider electrodes impart improved sealing energy to the patient-side vessel while providing sufficient energy to resected tissue to effect hemostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Publication number: 20170065333
    Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw. The instruments includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include asymmetrical electrodes disposed on the inner tissue engaging surfaces. A first contact region of the electrode has a greater surface area than that of the second contact region. During resection procedures wider electrodes impart improved sealing energy to the patient-side vessel while providing sufficient energy to resected tissue to effect hemostasis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Patent number: 9498278
    Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw. The instruments includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include asymmetrical electrodes disposed on the inner tissue engaging surfaces. A first contact region of the electrode has a greater surface area than that of the second contact region. During resection procedures wider electrodes impart improved sealing energy to the patient-side vessel while providing sufficient energy to resected tissue to effect hemostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Patent number: 8968316
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly and one or more cutting blades. The end effector assembly defines a longitudinal axis and has a pair of jaw members selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot. One or more of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. One or more of the jaw members includes two or more blade channels defined therein and extending therealong. The one or more cutting blades are selectively movable within one or more of the two or more blade channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Roy, Rebecca Coulson
  • Patent number: 8685016
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Patent number: 8663222
    Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Sara E. Anderson, William H. Nau, Jr., Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Publication number: 20120215219
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly and one or more cutting blades. The end effector assembly defines a longitudinal axis and has a pair of jaw members selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot. One or more of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. One or more of the jaw members includes two or more blade channels defined therein and extending therealong. The one or more cutting blades are selectively movable within one or more of the two or more blade channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Roy, Rebecca Coulson
  • Patent number: 8216223
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Patent number: 8147485
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20120059371
    Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Sara E. Anderson, William H. Nau, JR., Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Publication number: 20120059375
    Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw. The instruments includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include asymmetrical electrodes disposed on the inner tissue engaging surfaces. A first contact region of the electrode has a greater surface area than that of the second contact region. During resection procedures wider electrodes impart improved sealing energy to the patient-side vessel while providing sufficient energy to resected tissue to effect hemostasis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Rebecca Coulson
  • Patent number: 7972328
    Abstract: 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 microprocessor 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari Leidich, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Thomas A. Sturm, Craig Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20090157071
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20090157072
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20090157075
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20070173804
    Abstract: 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 microprocessor 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari Leidich, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Thomas A. Sturm, Craig Weinberg