Patents by Inventor W. Andrew Grubbs
W. Andrew Grubbs 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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Publication number: 20240078931Abstract: Modified animal tissues, organs, and organ systems for use in simulated surgical procedures are disclosed. The tissues, organs, and/or organ systems can be modified by enhancing their electrical conductivity, by including simulated contents mimicking what would normally be present in live animals, and by having fake blood perfusing through them. Portions of different tissues, organs, or organ systems, which can be from the same or different animals, can be adhered to provide hybrid/chimeric tissues, organs, or organ systems, and also used for simulated surgical procedures. These modifications can provide surgeons with a more realistic experience during a simulated surgical procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John ALEXANDER, W. Andrew GRUBBS
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Publication number: 20240071257Abstract: A surgeon training apparatus includes a cassette, which includes biological tissue repurposed into a form consistent with the anatomical configuration of abdominal hernias, affixed into an anatomically correct silicon framework which replicates the abdominal anatomy. The framework positions the cassette in an anatomically correct position within the abdominal cavity, enabling surgeons to train using a properly positioned representation of the target anatomy, thus requiring the surgeon to properly use surgical tools to correct the pathologic condition caused by the hernia. The cassette is formed by applying biologic tissue to a specially designed “plate,” which affixes the tissue block into the anatomic framework, and is adapted for connection to a grounding device so the surgeon can use cautery during the simulated hernia repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: JOHN ALEXANDER, W. ANDREW GRUBBS, KAITY YU EMERSON, MORGAN DOMINICE MOORE, MEGAN HARRISION DEW, SAMUEL DAVID DREW
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Patent number: 11869379Abstract: A surgeon training apparatus includes a cassette, which includes biological tissue repurposed into a form consistent with the anatomical configuration of abdominal hernias, affixed into an anatomically correct silicon framework which replicates the abdominal anatomy. The framework positions the cassette in an anatomically correct position within the abdominal cavity, enabling surgeons to train using a properly positioned representation of the target anatomy, thus requiring the surgeon to properly use surgical tools to correct the pathologic condition caused by the hernia. The cassette is formed by applying biologic tissue to a specially designed “plate,” which affixes the tissue block into the anatomic framework, and is adapted for connection to a grounding device so the surgeon can use cautery during the simulated hernia repair.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John Alexander, W. Andrew Grubbs, Kaity Yu Emerson, Morgan Dominice Moore, Megan Harrison Dew, Samuel David Drew
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Patent number: 11847932Abstract: Modified animal tissues, organs, and organ systems for use in simulated surgical procedures are disclosed. The tissues, organs, and/or organ systems can be modified by enhancing their electrical conductivity, by including simulated contents mimicking what would normally be present in live animals, and by having fake blood perfusing through them. Portions of different tissues, organs, or organ systems, which can be from the same or different animals, can be adhered to provide hybrid/chimeric tissues, organs, or organ systems, and also used for simulated surgical procedures. These modifications can provide surgeons with a more realistic experience during a simulated surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John Alexander, W. Andrew Grubbs
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Patent number: 11682319Abstract: Artificial blood compositions for use in simulated surgery, and kits including the compositions, are disclosed. Tissues, organs, and organ blocks which include dissolvable clots are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for carrying out simulated surgical procedures using the compositions, tissues, organs, organ blocks, and kits described herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: W. Andrew Grubbs, John Alexander
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Publication number: 20230126091Abstract: Artificial blood compositions for use in simulated surgery, and kits including the compositions, are disclosed. sues, organs, and organ blocks which include dissolvable clots are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for carrying out simulated surgical procedures using the compositions, tissues, organs, organ blocks, and kits described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: W. Andrew Grubbs, John Alexander
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Publication number: 20210043114Abstract: A surgeon training apparatus includes a cassette, which includes biological tissue repurposed into a form consistent with the anatomical configuration of abdominal hernias, affixed into an anatomically correct silicon framework which replicates the abdominal anatomy. The framework positions the cassette in an anatomically correct position within the abdominal cavity, enabling surgeons to train using a properly positioned representation of the target anatomy, thus requiring the surgeon to properly use surgical tools to correct the pathologic condition caused by the hernia. The cassette is formed by applying biologic tissue to a specially designed “plate,” which affixes the tissue block into the anatomic framework, and is adapted for connection to a grounding device so the surgeon can use cautery during the simulated hernia repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: John Alexander, W. Andrew Grubbs, Kaity Yu Emerson, Morgan Dominice Moore, Megan Harrison Dew, Samuel David Drew
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Publication number: 20200405418Abstract: A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force/torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: W. ANDREW GRUBBS, SAMUEL D. DREW
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Patent number: 10813710Abstract: A telerobotic surgery system includes a robotic surgery station having a first pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A first controller is connected to each robot arm drive. Harvested animal tissue is at the robotic surgery station. A remote surgeon station includes a second pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A second controller receives data regarding movement of the second pair of robot arms and respective laparoscopic tool based on user manipulation of each laparoscopic tool at the remote surgeon station. A communications network couples the first and second controllers with the second controller operative as a master and the first controller configured to control each robot arm drive and effect one-to-one movement of the first pair of robot arms and carried laparoscopic tools as a slave.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: KINDHEART, INC.Inventor: W. Andrew Grubbs
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Patent number: 10806532Abstract: A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force/torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: KINDHEART, INC.Inventors: W. Andrew Grubbs, Samuel D. Drew
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Patent number: 10198969Abstract: A surgical simulation device may include a support structure, a tray carried by the support structure, and animal tissue carried by the tray. A simulated human skeleton portion may be carried by the support structure above the animal tissue, and simulated human skin covers the simulated human skeleton portion. The support structure may permit selective horizontal and vertical positioning of the tray relative to the support structure to thereby permit selective horizontal and vertical positioning of the animal tissue relative to the simulated human skeleton portion and simulated human skin.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: KINDHEART, INC.Inventors: Allen Wendell Moore, Samuel D. Drew, W. Andrew Grubbs, Kevin R. Simpson, Samuel C. Felts, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180338806Abstract: A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force/torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventor: W. Andrew GRUBBS
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Publication number: 20180250086Abstract: A telerobotic surgery system includes a robotic surgery station having a first pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A first controller is connected to each robot arm drive. Harvested animal tissue is at the robotic surgery station. A remote surgeon station includes a second pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A second controller receives data regarding movement of the second pair of robot arms and respective laparoscopic tool based on user manipulation of each laparoscopic tool at the remote surgeon station. A communications network couples the first and second controllers with the second controller operative as a master and the first controller configured to control each robot arm drive and effect one-to-one movement of the first pair of robot arms and carried laparoscopic tools as a slave.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventor: W. Andrew GRUBBS
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Patent number: 10013896Abstract: This invention is directed to a modular staged simulator and a process of simulating medical trauma and maladies for the purpose of training or certifying individuals including medical professionals. More specifically, this disclosure relates to ex vivo training exercises as opposed to traditional forms of training using intact cadavers, in vivo surgery on animal subjects; and supervised apprenticeship performing surgery on human subjects with trauma or maladies under the watch of a skilled medical practitioner.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard H. Feins, W. Andrew Grubbs, Alexander McLain Grubbs, Matthew M. Dedmon
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Patent number: 9805625Abstract: A surgical simulation assembly is provided for simulating realistic surgery on animal organs or human cadavers. The surgical simulation assembly comprises a generally flat tray having a central indentation for receiving an organ, at least one drainage aperture and at least one indented trough extending from the central indentation for receiving at least one tube. The tray is assembled with a simulator heart and lungs prepped for connection to a variable speed double action air pump assembly that creates both positive pressure and a vacuum on the heart to simulate a beating heart. The tray is supported on a basket having a lower containment portion for containing fluid waste collected during the simulated surgery. The basket is elevated by risers over a base designed to support the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KINDHEART, INC.Inventors: Richard H. Feins, Tom Birchard, W. Andrew Grubbs, Don Aikin, Daniel C. Fuccella
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Publication number: 20170309204Abstract: This invention is directed to a modular staged simulator and a process of simulating medical trauma and maladies for the purpose of training or certifying individuals including medical professionals. More specifically, this disclosure relates to ex vivo training exercises as opposed to traditional forms of training using intact cadavers, in vivo surgery on animal subjects; and supervised apprenticeship performing surgery on human subjects with trauma or maladies under the watch of a skilled medical practitioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Richard H. Feins, W. Andrew Grubbs, Alexander McLain Grubbs, Matthew M. Dedmon
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Publication number: 20170294146Abstract: A surgeon training apparatus includes an operating table and an immersion tank carried by the operating table and configured to contain liquid. A thoracic animal tissue cassette is configured to hold at least harvested animal lung tissue for surgeon training. An inflator is configured to be coupled to the harvested animal lung tissue. An actuator is configured to relatively move the thoracic animal tissue cassette between an operating position above the immersion tank and an immersed position in the liquid within the immersion tank so that the surgeon can test the harvested animal lung tissue for leaks during surgeon training. The surgeon training apparatus may be at a first location at a first geographic point and a remote surgeon station may be at a second location at a second geographic point remote from the first geographic point to allow a remote surgeon to remotely train.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventor: W. Andrew GRUBBS
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Patent number: 9711067Abstract: This invention is directed to a modular staged simulator and a process of simulating medical trauma and maladies for the purpose of training or certifying individuals including medical professionals. More specifically, this disclosure relates to ex vivo training exercises as opposed to traditional forms of training using intact cadavers, in vivo surgery on animal subjects; and supervised apprenticeship performing surgery on human subjects with trauma or maladies under the watch of a skilled medical practitioner.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard H. Feins, W. Andrew Grubbs, Alexander McLain Grubbs, Matthew M. Dedmon
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Publication number: 20170076636Abstract: A surgical simulation device may include a support structure, a tray carried by the support structure, and animal tissue carried by the tray. A simulated human skeleton portion may be carried by the support structure above the animal tissue, and simulated human skin covers the simulated human skeleton portion. The support structure may permit selective horizontal and vertical positioning of the tray relative to the support structure to thereby permit selective horizontal and vertical positioning of the animal tissue relative to the simulated human skeleton portion and simulated human skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Allen Wendell MOORE, Samuel D. DREW, W. Andrew GRUBBS, Kevin R. SIMPSON, Samuel C. FELTS, JR.
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Patent number: D779678Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: KINDHEART, INC.Inventors: Richard H. Feins, Tom Birchard, W. Andrew Grubbs, Don Aikin, Daniel C. Fuccella