Tubular Driving Path Patents (Class 227/179.1)
  • Patent number: 10932784
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical reloads, and to surgical systems including handheld electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical reloads to the handheld electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Ramiro Cabrera, Joseph Eisinger, Scott Firth, John Hryb, Stephen Paul, Paul Richard, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., David Valentine, Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10918388
    Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Nir I. Nativ, Yufu Li, Michael Logue, Glenn Cook, Gwan-Ywan Lai
  • Patent number: 10912567
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stapling tissue, a vessel, duct, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. The surgical stapling systems generally include a circular stapling tool with a shaft extending therefrom that has an end effector at a distal end thereof. The end effector can have a staple deck and an anvil. The circular stapling tool can be configured to drive at least two circular rows of staples through tissue engaged between the staple deck and the anvil to thereby staple the tissue, and the tool can be configured to drive a knife through tissue engaged between the staple deck and the anvil to thereby cut the tissue. The surgical stapling system can also include a control system that is configured to communicate with the circular stapling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10912562
    Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and an anvil having an anvil face; a second jaw having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and a cartridge operably configured to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face; a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw; and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link connected to the first jaw and the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Patent number: 10905415
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly to thereby drive the annular array of staples through a distal surface of the stapling head assembly toward the anvil. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. In a first state, the lockout assembly is configured to permit translation of the translating member. In a second state, the lockout assembly is configured to prevent translation of the translating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Brian F. DiNardo, Christopher C. Miller, Richard F. Schwemberger, Charles J. Scheib, Kevin L. Houser, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10905417
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stapling tissue, a vessel, duct, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. The surgical stapling systems generally include a circular stapling tool with a shaft extending therefrom that has an end effector at a distal end thereof. The end effector can have a staple deck and an anvil. The circular stapling tool can be configured to drive at least two circular rows of staples through tissue engaged between the staple deck and the anvil to thereby staple the tissue, and the tool can be configured to drive a knife through tissue engaged between the staple deck and the anvil to thereby cut the tissue. The surgical stapling system can also include a control system that is configured to communicate with the circular stapling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10842491
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening system is disclosed including an end effector and an actuation console. The end effector includes an anvil and a firing member. The anvil moves in response to a closure motion from a first drive member. The firing member moves in response to a firing motion from a second drive member. A gear arrangement is configured to transmit the closure motion to the first drive member and the firing motion to the second drive member. The actuation console includes an input interface including a first input and a second input. The first input is configured to communicate the closure motion to the first drive member. The second input is configured to communicate the firing motion to the second drive member. The motor drive system cannot be operated to perform the firing motion until the closure motion has positioned the anvil in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, James R. Giordano, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10828029
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath and a motorized driving mechanism. The body assembly is configured to actuate the driving mechanism. The end effector includes a staple deck, an anvil, a first staple driver, and a second staple driver. The first staple driver is configured to fire a first annular array of staples of the plurality of staples against the anvil to deform the first annular array of staples at a first compressed staple height. The second staple driver is configured to fire a second annular array of staples of the plurality of staples against the anvil to deform the second annular array of staples at a second compressed staple height independent of the first staple driver. The first compressed staple height and the second compressed staple height are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Brett E. Swensgard, Sol Posada, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10813636
    Abstract: An assembly for joining tissue portions is provided and includes an anvil assembly and a body portion juxtaposed with respect to one another along a shaft and arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another; and an applicator disposed between the body portion and anvil assembly and configured for retaining a wound treatment material therein. The applicator has channels arranged for dispensing the wound treatment material therefrom onto an interface between the tissue portions. A method of joining the tissue portions is also provided and includes the steps of dispensing the wound treatment material from the applicator so as to distribute wound treatment material onto an interface between a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion; and approximating the anvil assembly and the body portion to one another so that the first and second tissue portions are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Christopher J. Criscuolo, David Fowler, Michael J. Bettuchi, Danyel (Tarinelli) Racenet, Robert Capella, Kevin Sniffin, Ahmad Hadba
  • Patent number: 10792042
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to circular surgical staplers for anastomotic joining of tissue comprising a stapling head connected to an opposing anvil, said stapling head containing a plurality of deployable staples in concentric arrays; a plurality of resorbable medicant-releasing microneedles, the microneedles comprising elongated rods having a sharp tissue-penetrating distal end and a proximal end; with the microneedles releasably disposed on or within the stapling head or the anvil. The present invention is also directed to methods of use of such stapler devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Matonick, Robert J. Tannhauser, Leo B. Kriksunov
  • Patent number: 10779832
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stapling tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil and a trocar selectively coupled with the anvil. The anvil may have an inner opening and a plurality of staple pockets aligned around a surface of the anvil. The anvil may be inserted trans-orally through an esophagus prior to being coupled with the trocar. The trocar may include a shaft and a locking assembly. The locking assembly may secure the anvil in position relative to the trocar when the locking assembly is in the expanded position. The apparatus may also include an alignment assembly to align the staple pockets of the anvil relative to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include an introduction assembly to guide the anvil through the esophagus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Cortney E. Henderson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10751059
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, a trocar, and an anvil. The anvil head includes an annular surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets. The plurality of staple forming pockets are configured to deform the plurality of staples when the anvil is in the staple forming position. The shank extends proximally from the annular stapling head. The shank and the anvil head cooperatively define a bore dimensioned to receive a portion of the trocar. The shank defines a lateral opening. The latch member is pivotally coupled with the shank via a living hinge. The latch member comprises a latch shelf configured to selectively couple the anvil with trocar when the trocar is inserted into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: William D. Fox, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 10729442
    Abstract: A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel may involve advancing a guidewire of a surgical stapler into the target vessel through an opening at a first location on the target vessel, coupling a stapler cartridge carrying the graft vessel with an anvil of the surgical stapler, activating the anvil to staple the graft vessel to the target vessel at a second location on the target vessel, removing the guidewire from the target vessel, and closing the opening in the target vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Bernard A. Hausen
  • Patent number: 10729440
    Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cartridge. The first cartridge includes a sled and the second jaw includes an anvil. The first and second jaws are moveable relative to one another. The cartridge is disposed on the first jaw and has a plurality of staples. The sled is configured to engage each staple to the plurality of staples to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge as the sled is longitudinally translated through the cartridge. A loading unit is also disclosed including an elongated body and an end effector that is articulable relative to the end effector. The end effector and the elongated body of the loading unit are configured to pass or fit through a 5 mm opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Sachin Shah
  • Patent number: 10702280
    Abstract: Endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers including a reusable handle assembly and at least one reusable shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Longsheng Cai, Shunhong Xu, Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 10695065
    Abstract: A method of creating an anastomosis includes steps of advancing a distal tip of a catheter device through a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel, while simultaneously advancing a proximal base of the device into the first vessel, contacting a wall of the first vessel with a distal blunt surface on the proximal base. A further step is to retract the distal tip so that a proximal blunt base of the distal tip contacts a wall of the second vessel, thereby capturing the two vessel walls between the blunt surfaces of the proximal base and the distal tip. A controlled pressure is applied between the two blunt surfaces to compress and stabilize the captured tissue and approximate the vessel walls. A clip is deployed through the captured tissue to hold the tissue in place during the anastomosis procedure. The anastomosis is created by applying cutting energy to the captured tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, Jeffrey E. Hull
  • Patent number: 10695056
    Abstract: An electric surgical stapler and a method for controlling closing and firing of the electric surgical stapler are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SUZHOU INTOCARE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Yunfeng Du, Dianchen Liu, Aiyu Huang
  • Patent number: 10695069
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil and shell assemblies each include splines that define guide channels. Each of the anvil splines defines a distally positioned triangular tip that is defined by an apex and first and second right cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the anvil splines are configured to engage one of the shell splines to cam or rotate the anvil assembly into alignment with the shell assembly as the anvil assembly is moved in relation to the shell assembly to a clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph Guerrera, Charles Kollar
  • Patent number: 10687811
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft coupled to the handle portion, a pair of jaw members operably coupled to the shaft, an inflatable member, and a sensor. The inflatable member is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to apply pressure to tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members. The sensor is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to measure local perfusion pressure in the tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher K. Evans, Matthew Eschbach
  • Patent number: 10675035
    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 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Aron O. Zingman
  • Patent number: 10667817
    Abstract: A system for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Ballast Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Gagner, David J. Blaeser, Todd A. Krinke, Philip J. Haarstad
  • Patent number: 10646222
    Abstract: Interlock assemblies for attaching a loading unit to a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The interlock assemblies are formed on a proximal end of a shell member and on a distal end of an adapter assembly. The interlock assemblies may include a collar member for selectively securing the shell member to the adapter assembly. The collar member may be mounted on the shell member or on the adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher Penna, Patrick Mozdzierz, Paul Scirica, Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10639041
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and a preload assembly is disclosed. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The preload assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shell assembly and enables longitudinal movement of the shell assembly with respect to the elongated body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10631867
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 10617414
    Abstract: A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the closure member comprises a closure body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion that comprises a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. The upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Adam D. Hensel, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 10603041
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The stapling head assembly includes a deck member, a plurality of staples, and a driver. The deck member includes a first deck surface, a second deck surface, an outer annular array of staple openings formed through the deck surfaces, an inner annular array of staple openings formed through the deck surfaces, and a plurality of stand-off features extending distally from the second deck surface. The second deck surface is recessed relative to the first deck surface. The driver is operable to drive the staples through the staple openings. The anvil is operable to compress tissue against the deck surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10603042
    Abstract: A circular stapler including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft and the anvil assembly includes first and second pull cables. When the anvil assembly engages the cartridge assembly, retraction of the first pull cable effects clamping of tissue between the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, and retraction of the second pull cable effects stapling and cutting of the clamped tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Anthony Sgroi
  • Patent number: 10595871
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a handle assembly with a loading unit is provided. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongate body extending from the housing, and a trocar assembly supported within the elongate body and including a trocar member. The trocar member extends from the elongate body and is magnetized. Also provided are various assemblies for protecting the distal end of a surgical stapler during introduction of the surgical stapler within a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Patent number: 10588620
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a suture attachment catheter configured to repair a heart valve by inserting a suture in a valve leaflet of a beating heart of a patient includes a handle control, a flexible catheter body, and a suture attachment assembly at a distal end of the catheter body. The suture attachment assembly can include a rail between a distal clamping jaw hingedly attached to the rail, and a proximal clamping jaw. One of the proximal clamping jaw or distal clamping jaw can be selectively slideable with respect to the other on the rail using a jaw actuator of the control handle to adjust a distance between the proximal clamping jaw and the distal clamping jaw. A needle can be selectively slideable within the catheter body by using a needle actuator of the proximal handle control to penetrate a valve leaflet and insert a suture through the valve leaflet when the valve leaflet is captured between the proximal clamping jaw and the distal clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: NeoChord, Inc.
    Inventors: Levi Caffes, Joel Helgerson, Andrew Schifle, Daryl Edmiston
  • Patent number: 10568631
    Abstract: The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8?) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the Internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Carlo Rebuffat, Dante David
  • Patent number: 10517601
    Abstract: An indicator (26) includes an indicator body portion (50), a pivot support member (52), a resilient lever (54) and an anchor (66). The pivot support member (52) has a first end (52a) secured to the indicator body portion (50) and a second end (52b) secured to a first end (54a) of the resilient lever (54). The resilient lever (54) has a second end (54b) secured to the anchor (66). The pivot support member (52) is adapted to be pivotally mounted to a body portion (18) of a surgical device and the anchor (66) is adapted to be secured to the surgical device such that pivotal movement of the indicator body portion (50) from a first position to a second position effects movement of the resilient lever (54) from a relaxed configuration to a stressed configuration. In the stressed configuration, the resilient lever (54) urges the indicator body portion (50) towards the first position. The indicator body portion (50) can be integrally molded of a plastic material to define a single part of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ganesan Murugesan
  • Patent number: 10470770
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly operably supporting a circular surgical staple cartridge in a distal end thereof and a plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to be selectively radially deployable from a first position wherein the plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members cooperate to form a continuous ring defining a continuous outer ring diameter and a second deployed position wherein each arcuate tissue acquisition member extends radially outward from the elongate shaft assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis
  • Patent number: 10463365
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly removably and selectively attachable to the handle assembly, and a loading unit removably and selectively attachable to the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly extends from the handle assembly for transmitting actuating forces from the handle assembly to the loading unit. The adapter assembly includes a connector assembly. The loading unit includes a shell member and a housing extending from an inner surface of the shell member. The surgical stapling device further includes a chip assembly disposed within the housing and moveable relative to the shell member to facilitate connection with the connector assembly of the adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10463374
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for a flexible circular stapler including a pusher assembly, a trocar assembly, a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The pusher assembly includes a pusher member, a puller member, and first and second pulley members. The trocar assembly includes a trocar member operably disposed relative to the pusher assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first cable for advancing and retracting the trocar member relative to the pusher assembly, and the second drive assembly includes a second cable for retracting the puller member to cause rotation of the first and second pulley members. Rotation of the first and second pulley members causes advancement of the pusher member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Anthony Sgroi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10456140
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling instrument comprises a staple cartridge configured to staple the tissue of a patient and a cutting member configure to incise the tissue. The stapling instrument further comprises an anvil movable between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue against the staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to deform the staples when the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the stapling instrument comprises a lockout configured to prevent the cutting member from incising the tissue until after the staples have been formed. In at least one embodiment, the stapling instrument comprises a lockout configured to prevent the anvil from being opened while the cutting member is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher C. Miller, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10420552
    Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly is disclosed which comprises a shaft, an articulation joint, and an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The end effector further comprises a drive input, a closure system configured to move the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, a staple firing system configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge, and a transmission positioned in the end effector, wherein the transmission is configurable in three operating states for operably coupling the closure system and the staple firing system with the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 10390827
    Abstract: A surgical implant includes at least two porous film layers each having a plurality of pores. The porous film layers are in a stacked configuration and are interconnected to one another at a plurality of attachment points to define at least one void between the porous film layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gerald N. Hodgkinson, Richard P. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 10314592
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part, wherein the receiving portion has a communication connection, a handle having a controller electrically connected to the communication connection, and an interchangeable part removably connected to the receiving portion and having an encryption device electrically removably connected to the communication connection when at the receiving portion, wherein the encryption device is programmed to authenticate the interchangeable part upon an exchange with the controller when the interchangeable part is at the receiving portion and, after at least a partial use of the interchangeable part, store a used status of the interchangeable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Carlos Rivera, Matthew A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 10307157
    Abstract: A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft, a stapling assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The stapler further includes a lockout assembly configured to control firing of the stapling assembly. The lockout assembly may include one or more switches, the actuation of which is configured to prevent or permit firing of the stapling assembly. The lockout assembly may additionally or alternatively include one or more mechanical lockout features configured to control firing of the stapling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Richard F. Schwemberger
  • Patent number: 10271850
    Abstract: A circular anastomosis stapler is provided and includes a handle assembly having a firing trigger that is actuatable between a first firing stroke and a second firing stroke. A shell assembly includes a pusher assembly having a main pusher, a staple pusher and a knife pusher. A compressible member positioned between the main pusher and the knife pusher is movable between a first configuration for advancing the staple pusher through the first firing stroke to drive at least one staple from the shell assembly to staple tissue and a second configuration for advancing the knife pusher through the second firing stroke to drive a knife from the shell assembly to core the stapled tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10265070
    Abstract: A linear stapling and severing apparatus comprises upper and lower jaws, the lower jaw comprises a staple cartridge holder, a staple cartridge is arranged on the staple cartridge holder in a detachable way, and a cutter us movably arranged inside the staple cartridge. The apparatus also comprises a safety piece installed on the staple cartridge in an upper-and-down movable way. The cutter comprises a slot and a butting part. When the cutter is located are a near end of the staple cartridge and in a non-locked state, the safety piece prevents the safety piece from entering the slot. The cutter can complete a stapling and severing process. When the cutter goes back to the near end it is in a locked state, the safety piece is located at a second position that is clamped inside the slot to restrict movement of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Suzhou Touchstone International Medical Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wangdong Chen, Tuo Shu, Yongwang Pei
  • Patent number: 10245040
    Abstract: A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler comprises a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a cartridge assembly. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The knife assembly is selectively movable relative to the pusher assembly to distally translate a knife. A knife carrier of the knife assembly includes at least one latch thereon. The at least one latch is configured to contact an engagement surface of the pusher assembly in response to movement between the knife carrier and the pusher assembly. The at least one latch is prevented from distally translating beyond the engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 10213205
    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: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10213200
    Abstract: Implementations of the disclosed technology include a forcipate surgical instrument including a channel at the working end for guiding a scalpel blade during tissue resection. In some implementations, the forceps may also include a scalpel-driven stapling mechanism for sealing the tissue simultaneously with resection via a single scalpel motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Denise Sujin Kim, Jacquelyn Borinski, Mohamad Ali Najia, Drew Padilla
  • Patent number: 10201348
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to clamp tissue. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck, a plurality of staples, and a plurality of staple drivers. The deck faces the anvil. The staples are positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck. The staple drivers are configured to drive the staples out of the staple openings. Each staple driver of the plurality of staple drivers includes a staple driver body. At least a portion of the staple drivers further include a compressible feature extending from the staple driver body toward the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10194911
    Abstract: A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft, a stapling assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The stapler further includes an indicator configured to indicate “readiness” of the stapler and/or to control firing of the stapling assembly. The indicator may indicate a position of an anvil relative to the stapling assembly and/or coupling of the anvil to the stapling assembly among other things. In addition, the stapler may include a self-draining battery pack configured to drain power upon removal from the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John P. Measamer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Charles J. Scheib, Brian F. DiNardo
  • Patent number: 10190888
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an elongate body, a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a linear position assembly including a pair of opposing magnets, and a plurality of sensors. The elongate body has a central shaft longitudinally translatable therethrough. The cartridge assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongate body. The anvil assembly is selectively connectable to the central shaft of the elongate body. The magnets are mounted to the central shaft. The sensors are fixed within the cartridge assembly and configured to sense a change in a magnetic field of the magnets upon a longitudinal movement of the magnets in response to an actuation of the central shaft to determine a linear position of the anvil assembly relative to the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Hryb, Ethan Collins, Luis Dussan, Joseph Decker, Anthony Calderoni
  • Patent number: 10092286
    Abstract: A suturing end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a helical needle. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between open and closed configurations. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a first row of wells that define a helical path when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration. The helical needle is rotatable through the helical path between retracted and extended positions. The helical needle is configured to draw a suture through tissue between the first and second jaw members when the helical needle is rotatably advanced through the helical path and configured to be independently moveable relative to the suture when retracted from the advanced position to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Simon R. Grover, Emily Triggs, Alistair Ward
  • Patent number: 10080566
    Abstract: A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 10076332
    Abstract: A method of performing a surgical anastomosis is disclosed. The method includes providing an anastomotic device including a fluid supply channel extending between a handle assembly and a head assembly. The method also includes positioning the head assembly of the anastomotic device adjacent a hollow tissue organ, inserting the head assembly of the anastomotic device into the hollow tissue organ, and discharging an inflation fluid through at least one fluid outlet and into the hollow tissue organ to insufflate at least a portion of the hollow tissue organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Boris Vestweber