With Lockout Patents (Class 227/175.2)
  • Publication number: 20150129632
    Abstract: A shipping wedge for use with a surgical instrument includes a base configured to be detachably secured with a body portion of the surgical instrument, a blocking member depending from the base and engageable with a movable operative member of the surgical instrument, and a locking member depending from the base and engageable with a lockout mechanism of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9016545
    Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a drive beam, and a drive screw. The second jaw member is pivotally movable relative to the first jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The drive beam is positioned to engage the second jaw member and is longitudinally movable through the first and second jaw members. The drive screw is supported within the first jaw member and includes a threaded portion coupled to the drive beam such that rotation of the drive screw imparts longitudinal movement of the drive beam along the second jaw member to move the first and second jaw members from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Dwight Bronson, David Racenet
  • Patent number: 9010605
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device and method for joining tissue portions are provided including a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body, and an anvil assembly at a distal end of the surgical stapling device. The anvil assembly includes a shaft for removably coupling the anvil assembly to the cartridge assembly and a head pivotally mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A sleeve member is slidably disposed about the shaft of the anvil assembly and is transitionable between a first position, where the sleeve member engages the head of the anvil assembly to secure the head in an un-tilted condition, and a second position, where the sleeve member is disengaged from the head of the anvil assembly to allow the head to tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Patrick Mozdzierz, Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 8998058
    Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Mark H. Ransick, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 8991677
    Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Mark H. Ransick, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Publication number: 20150083779
    Abstract: A surgical stapler, including: an anvil assembly, a reload assembly, a movable handle, a fixed handle, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, a safety apparatus, and an anti-triggering device. The anti-triggering device includes two rows of holes and clamp strips. The transmission assembly is disposed inside the fixed handle. The clamp strips are arranged in longitudinal symmetry on one side of the anti-triggering device. A row of counterbores and a clamp plate having a structure matching with the clamp strip of the anti-triggering device are arranged at an inner side of the casing of the fixed handle. The safety apparatus is fixed at one side of the propulsion assembly. The anti-triggering device is clamped inside the casing of the fixed handle and is attached to a side surface of the safety apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Xuejun LI, Qing LIU
  • Publication number: 20150083778
    Abstract: A surgical stapler including a safety apparatus, including: a stapler part, a fixed handle, a safety apparatus, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, and a trigger handle. The safety apparatus includes a safety piece and a fixing block. The propulsion assembly includes an ejector sleeve. The safety apparatus is fixed on the propulsion assembly and contacts with a surface of the transmission assembly. The safety piece is disposed inside the fixing block. At least one spring is disposed inside the fixing block to ensure elasticity of the safety piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Xuejun LI, Qing LIU
  • Publication number: 20150076206
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes: a handle assembly; a jaw assembly comprising a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing; a drive assembly at least partially located within the handle and connected to the jaw assembly and the lockout mechanism; a motor disposed within the handle assembly and operatively coupled to the drive assembly; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller configured to control supply of electrical current to the motor and to monitor a current draw of the motor, wherein the controller is further configured to terminate the supply of electrical current to the motor in response to a rate of change of the current draw indicative of a mechanical limit of at least one of the jaw assembly, the drive assembly, or the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Parag Sapre
  • Publication number: 20150060518
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Kevin R. Doll, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Publication number: 20150060517
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes an actuator device including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and a first articulating link. The first articulating link includes a mechanical interface and is movable between a non-articulated position and at least one articulated position. A reload is releasably coupled to a distal end of the body portion. The reload including a second articulating link configured to engage the first articulating link when the reload is coupled to the actuator device. The reload including a tool assembly which is pivotable from a first a position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion to at least one position misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The first articulation link and the mechanical interface prevent the reload from being disengaged from the actuator device when the first articulating link is in the at least one articulated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 8967445
    Abstract: A shipping wedge for use with a surgical instrument includes a base configured to be detachably secured with a body portion of the surgical instrument, a blocking member depending from the base and engageable with a movable operative member of the surgical instrument, and a locking member depending from the base and engageable with a lockout mechanism of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20150053740
    Abstract: A connection portion for attaching a disposable loading unit to the shaft of a surgical instrument. The connection portion can include a rotatable collar, which can be rotated relative to the disposable loading unit and the shaft. The connection can include a spring for biasing the collar and/or the disposable loading unit into a locked orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150053739
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a motor-powered drive unit that drives a portion of a firing member assembly in an axial direction to actuate a surgical end effector coupled to the instrument. The instrument may further include a retraction system configured to interact with the firing member assembly to permit a clinician to manually retract the portion of the firing member assembly should it become jammed or inadvertently stopped during a firing process. The surgical instrument includes a locking arrangement that interfaces with the retraction system and the motor-powered drive unit to prevent the transfer of the retraction forces generated by the retraction system to the motor shaft without physically separating portions of the motorized drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Steven G. Hall
  • Patent number: 8956342
    Abstract: A handheld surgical device includes a multi-position throttle, rotatably attached to the body of the device, to allow for ambidextrous positioning of a motor speed control lever. The motor speed control lever may interact with a speed control sensor in the body of the device capable of detecting the actuation level of the motor speed control lever in any one of two or more positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Microaire Surgical Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Robert Scott Russo, John H. Pascaloff, Robert McKemie
  • Patent number: 8939343
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
  • Patent number: 8931680
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a safety mechanism, an elongated body portion and a head portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle, an approximation mechanism, and a firing trigger. A lever of the safety mechanism is movable between a first position where the firing trigger is prevented from being actuated, and a second position where the firing trigger is able to be actuated. A first jaw member of the head portion is movable in relation to a second jaw member of the head portion between spaced and approximated positions. Movement of the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member from the approximated position towards the spaced position causes the lever of the safety mechanism to move from its second position to its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 8926598
    Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140367445
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical surgical system including a surgical instrument having a controller, and an end effector selectively and removably connectable to the surgical instrument, wherein the controller is configured to enter an emergency retraction mode when at least one input element of the surgical system is incapable of providing control signals to the controller to operate a motor, wherein the emergency retraction mode activates the motor to withdraw a drive assembly from any advanced position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael Ingmanson, Josh Snow, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Philip Irka
  • Publication number: 20140367446
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical surgical system and methods for use thereof including a surgical instrument having a controller, and an end effector selectively and removably connectable to the surgical instrument, wherein the controller enters an emergency retraction mode when at least one input element of the surgical system is incapable of providing control signals to the controller to operate a motor, wherein the emergency retraction mode activates the motor to withdraw a drive assembly from any advanced position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael Ingmanson, Josh Snow, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Philip Irka
  • Publication number: 20140353359
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20140353355
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a safety mechanism, an elongated body portion and a head portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle, an approximation mechanism, and a firing trigger. A lever of the safety mechanism is movable between a first position where the firing trigger is prevented from being actuated, and a second position where the firing trigger is able to be actuated. A first jaw member of the head portion is movable in relation to a second jaw member of the head portion between spaced and approximated positions. Movement of the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member from the approximated position towards the spaced position causes the lever of the safety mechanism to move from its second position to its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 8899462
    Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system comprises a hand-held surgical instrument including an instrument housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with a shaft assembly, the surgical instrument having at least one rotatable drive member, and an end effector configured to perform at least one function. The shaft assembly selectively interconnects the end effector and the surgical device. The shaft assembly includes a transmission housing and a force transmitting assembly for interconnecting the rotatable drive member and a rotation receiving member supported in the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Kostrzewski, Paul A. Scirica, Ernest Aranyi, David Racenet, Frank Marini, Dwight Bronson, William Powers
  • Patent number: 8893948
    Abstract: A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod, a head assembly, and a torsion spring configured to pivot the head assembly relative to the center rod. The head assembly has a locking collar defining a locked position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly, and an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the head assembly. The torsion spring selectively engages the locking collar to maintain the locking collar at either the locked or unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Publication number: 20140339286
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger element that can activate a drive assembly to advance a clamp drive assembly to clamp the aforementioned target tissue. The clamp drive assembly comprises of a clamp slide member to either advance the clamp drive assembly in a first direction or retreat the clamp drive assembly in a second direction. The clamp drive assembly is movably coupled to a clamp driver member. Movement of the clamp driver member operates clamping operations of a jaw assembly of the surgical stapling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Cara C. H. Motooka, Brendan M. Donohoe, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 8887979
    Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Thomas W. Alesi, Jr., Robert J. Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140326777
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling head is provided that may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more staples, a core movable relative to the staple cartridge, at least one staple driver extending from the core, and a casing configured to at least partially hold the staple cartridge and movably receive the core and the staple driver(s). The casing may further comprise at least one retention member that is configured to move from a first position to a second position when sufficient external force is applied to the retention member, such as that provided by a shaft of a surgical stapler during insertion of the stapling head assembly into the shaft. When the retention member(s) are at the second position, the staple driver(s) may be prevented from driving staples from the staple cartridge, thereby providing a firing lockout feature to the stapling head assembly during insertion into at least a portion of a surgical stapler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Aron O. Zingman
  • Patent number: 8876806
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated member assembly extending from the housing. The elongated member has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion by a cable that facilitates the relative movement of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Patent number: 8875971
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20140305987
    Abstract: Motor driven surgical instruments that include a first rotary drive system and a second rotary drive system. Various forms include a transmission assembly that is selectively shiftable between a first drive position wherein rotary motion generated by the motor is transferred to the first rotary drive system and a second drive position wherein rotary motion generated by the motor is transferred to the second rotary drive system. Various forms further include a locking assembly configured to mechanically prevent rotation of the second rotary drive system when the transmission assembly is in the first drive position as well as to prevent rotation of the first rotary drive system when the transmission assembly is in the second drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20140299647
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes: a jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; and an articulating assembly removably coupled to the proximal end of the jaw assembly, the articulating including a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member, wherein the jaw assembly and the distal joint member define a first longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the jaw assembly and a distal end of the distal joint member, and the proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Paul A. Scirica, Justin Williams, Kevin Robert Slisz
  • Patent number: 8851355
    Abstract: A surgical system has a jaw assembly including a plurality of fasteners, an anvil and a drive beam for pushing an actuation sled. A drive screw imparts motion to the drive beam. An elongated body is configured to connect with the jaw assembly. A drive link connects a flexible drive shaft to the drive screw, the drive link being disposed off-axis. The jaw assembly and elongated body are separable from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Dwight Bronson, David Racenet
  • Publication number: 20140291378
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position. The instrument includes an interlock coupled to the end effector and to the motor to prevent actuation of the cutting instrument based on the current through the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, James R. Giordano
  • Publication number: 20140263542
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Kevin M. Montgomery, Wendy A. Kerr, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Mark D. Overmyer, Brett E. Swensgard
  • Publication number: 20140263545
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20140263548
    Abstract: A reusable surgical stapling device is provided. The stapling device includes a staple pusher assembly and an approximation assembly. The stapling device further includes a handle assembly including first and second handle sections pivotally secured in relation to each other about a proximal portion of the staple pusher and approximation assemblies. The first and second handle sections being pivotal between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the first and second handle sections are pivoted to expose the proximal portion of the staple pusher and approximation assemblies. An outer tube is selectively received about a distal portion of the staple pusher and approximation assemblies. A ferrule is received about a proximal end of the outer tube and is releasably connected to a distal end of the first and second handle sections to secure the outer tube to the handle assembly and retain the first and second handle sections in a closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mark Tanner, Robbie Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140263546
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided and is configured to couple to a reload. The reload includes a first jaw member releasably supporting a cartridge that includes a slide deflector that is movable from a first position to a second position. One or more lockout steps are provided on one of the first and second jaw members of the reload. A drive member includes a working end urged to move toward the lockout step. In the first position, the slide deflector is positioned to prevent engagement of the working end of the drive member with the lockout step, and in the second position the slide deflector is positioned to allow engagement of the working end with the lockout step to prevent further advancement of the working end. Distal translation of the working end causes the slide deflector to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ernest Aranyi
  • Publication number: 20140263547
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a frame configured to support a proximal portion of an approximation assembly and a proximal portion of a staple pusher assembly and a pair of handle sections pivotally secured to the frame such that the handle sections can be moved from a closed position wherein the handle sections enclose the proximal portion of the approximation assembly and the staple pusher assembly and an open position wherein the proximal portion of the approximation assembly and the staple pusher assembly are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mark Tanner, Robbie Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140263544
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Augustus Felix
  • Publication number: 20140263543
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft, a firing assembly configured to fire a plurality of staples, for example, and a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The housing is removably couplable to the shaft when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration and the housing includes a motor configured to drive at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly. The housing also includes a controller in communication with the motor, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to reset at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly to a home state when the locking member is moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Kevin D. Sackett, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Publication number: 20140263541
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include an articulation driver configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint and an articulation lock which can be configured to selectably resist the unintentional articulation of the end effector. In various circumstances, the actuation of the articulation driver can unlock the articulation lock. In certain circumstances, the articulation lock can comprise a first one-way lock configured to resist the movement of the articulation driver in a first direction and a second one-way lock configured to resist the movement of the articulation driver in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Wendy A. Kerr, Brett E. Swensgard
  • Publication number: 20140263549
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument includes an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is configured to be articulated with respect to the body portion, namely, the articulating tool assembly is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Yong Ma
  • Patent number: 8833630
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a safety mechanism, an elongated body portion and a head portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle, an approximation mechanism, and a firing trigger. A lever of the safety mechanism is movable between a first position where the firing trigger is prevented from being actuated, and a second position where the firing trigger is able to be actuated. A first jaw member of the head portion is movable in relation to a second jaw member of the head portion between spaced and approximated positions. Movement of the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member from the approximated position towards the spaced position causes the lever of the safety mechanism to move from its second position to its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 8827136
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical stapler for applying a suture to tissue including an elongated tubular member, a first jaw positioned at the distal end portion of the tubular member and having a longitudinal axis, and a second jaw disposed in substantially parallel relation to the first jaw at the distal end portion of the tubular member. The second jaw is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis toward the first jaw, while maintaining the substantially parallel relation between the first and second jaws. A stapling assembly is disposed in each of the first and second jaws and configured to apply surgical staples to the tissue such that a suture, in combination with the surgical staples, forms a purse string with the tissue when the surgical stapler is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 8820602
    Abstract: An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A triggering element deploys the closure device and can at least be partially formed in the housing. A throw reducing mechanism can slide relative to the housing and reduce the distance a user must stretch a hand to move a triggering system within the housing. The housing can include, or be connected to, a handle member having one or more expansion members which expand to provide a stable base for manipulating the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Erik K. Walberg, Timothy C. Reynolds, Anthony J. Pantages
  • Publication number: 20140239040
    Abstract: A apparatus includes a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and a locking feature. The end effector is pivotable from a first position to a second position. The end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft in the first position and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in the second position. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector and pivots the end effector from the first position to the second position. The locking feature is coupled with the articulation joint and translates from a proximal position to a distal position. The locking feature locks the articulation joint when the locking feature is in the distal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason E. Zerkle, Robert J. Simms
  • Patent number: 8800837
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive motor, a drive tube, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The drive motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive tube is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive motor and is rotatable about a drive tube axis extending through the drive tube. The firing rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive tube and at least a portion of the firing rod is translatable with respect to the drive tube. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion and is in mechanical cooperation with the firing rod so that the firing rod drives a surgical function of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Zemlok
  • Publication number: 20140217144
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprising a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a movable handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and movable between a first open position and a second approximated position for affecting a function of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 8794496
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device having a rotating knob locking mechanism, and a method of using the surgical stapling device is disclosed. The surgical stapling device includes a housing, an actuation member, an elongated body portion rotatably supported on the housing, and a locking mechanism for preventing the rotation of the elongate body portion, the locking mechanism being automatically engaged upon actuation of the actuation member. The stapling device further includes a knob for rotating the elongated body portion. The locking mechanism includes a pivotably mounted member configured to engage the knob. The stapling device may further include an articulating tool assembly and an articulation lever for articulating the tool assembly. The articulation lever may be disposed on the knob for rotating the elongated body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul A. Scirica
  • Patent number: 8794497
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling head is provided that may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more staples, a core movable relative to the staple cartridge, at least one staple driver extending from the core, and a casing configured to at least partially hold the staple cartridge and movably receive the core and the staple driver(s). The casing may further comprise at least one retention member that is configured to move from a first position to a second position when sufficient external force is applied to the retention member, such as that provided by a shaft of a surgical stapler during insertion of the stapling head assembly into the shaft. When the retention member(s) are at the second position, the staple driver(s) may be prevented from driving staples from the staple cartridge, thereby providing a firing lockout feature to the stapling head assembly during insertion into at least a portion of a surgical stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Aron O. Zingman
  • Publication number: 20140209659
    Abstract: A shipping wedge for use with a surgical instrument includes a base configured to be detachably secured with a body portion of the surgical instrument, a blocking member depending from the base and engageable with a movable operative member of the surgical instrument, and a locking member depending from the base and engageable with a lockout mechanism of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski