Cutter Having Vibratory Drive Means Patents (Class 606/169)
  • Patent number: 11134978
    Abstract: Provided is a system and medical device that includes self diagnosing control switches. The control switch may be slidable within a slot in order to control activation of some function of the medical device. Due to natural wear and tear of movement of a control switch, the distances along the sliding slot that correspond to how much energy is used for the function may need to be adjusted over time in order to reflect the changing physical attributes of the actuator mechanism. The self diagnosing control switches of the present disclosures may be configured to automatically adjust for these thresholds using, for example, Hall effect sensors and magnets. In addition, in some cases, the self diagnosing control switches may be capable of indicating external influences on the controls, as well as predict a time until replacement is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11129641
    Abstract: Mechanical resection instruments with outflow control. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving an indication of a first rotational mode of a mechanical resection instrument coupled to a motor of a motor drive unit (MDU); controlling rotation of the rotating portion of the mechanical resection instrument by controlling the motor, the controlling in conformance with the indication of the first rotational mode; setting a first outflow rate through the mechanical resection instrument based on the indication of the first rotational mode; drawing fluid through the mechanical resection instrument at the first outflow rate during a surgical procedure, the drawing by way of the pump controlled by the controller; sensing a parameter indicative of resection by the mechanical resection instrument; and changing a rate at which fluid is drawn through the mechanical resection instrument, the changing relative to the first outflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Miller, Jean Woloszko, Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Rajitha Aluru
  • Patent number: 11123127
    Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to an active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Denis, Preston Manwaring, Phil Eggers, Kim Manwaring
  • Patent number: 11123095
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm movably coupled with the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly extends between the body and the end effector and includes an acoustic waveguide, a rotational driver, and a driver wrench. The rotational driver is configured to be received within the rotational drive channel and rotate the shaft assembly relative to the body. The acoustic waveguide includes a notch and the driver wrench includes a key, wherein the first notch of the acoustic waveguide is configured to receive the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Sean P. Conlon, Ellen Burkart, Guion Y. Lucas
  • Patent number: 11116591
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body including a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control a surgical tool. The hand controller apparatus can include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The control lever can include a tail region adjacent to the pivot joint and a paddle region connected to the tail region and extending toward the distally located interface end. The tail region can include an inner surface facing the body and an outer surface opposing the inner surface, and at least part of the outer surface of the tail region can be outwardly curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bradley Duke, Chad Clayton Walters, Olivier Franck Currat, Eric Collins
  • Patent number: 11116532
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Zeckel, Fajian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11109874
    Abstract: A lithotripter is provided for fragmenting a stone inside a patient's body. In one form, the lithotripter includes a motor having at least two modes of operation and is configured to produce first and second waveforms. A wave guide shaft is configured to transmit the first and second waveforms to the stone. In one form, at least one of the first and second waveforms is provided to the stone at a frequency that is about equal to a natural frequency of the stone. In a variation, the lithotripter may include an ultrasonic driver configured to produce an ultrasonic frequency waveform and a sonic driver configured to produce a sonic frequency waveform. The sonic driver is mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic driver. The ultrasonic driver and the sonic driver may be disposed within a driver housing. In another variation, the lithotripter may include a brushless DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Artemie G. Gavala, Lawrence J. St. George, Tie Hu
  • Patent number: 11065025
    Abstract: A probe configured to be connected to a transducer unit configured to generate ultrasonic vibration, includes an elongated vibration transmission portion configured to transmit the ultrasonic vibration; and an engagement member provided on and/or near an outer circumference at a position which becomes a node of the ultrasonic vibration when the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the vibration transmission portion, the engagement member being formed by a material of an identical to or smaller damping rate than a damping rate of the ultrasonic vibration in the vibration transmission portion, and the engagement member being engaged with an exterior member disposed on an outer side of the vibration transmission portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukihiko Shimamura, Masashi Yamada, Hideyuki Komamura, Tomokazu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11065012
    Abstract: A debrider that includes an outer tubular member, and an inner tubular member located inside the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member includes an aspiration channel. The outer tubular member includes a declogging feature. The declogging feature extends from an inside distal wall of the outer tubular member in a proximal direction towards a distal wall of the inner member. The declogging feature is at least partially received into the aspiration channel through a distal opening defined in the distal end of the inner member, and is configured to push any matter located inside the aspiration channel in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 11058472
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer, a distally extending shaft, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade includes an upper treatment side, a lower treatment side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. The clamp arm is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade for clamping tissue therebetween, and it provides an RF electrode operable to seal tissue with RF energy. The RF electrode includes first and second electrode side portions. The first electrode side portion is spaced laterally outward from the first lateral side of the ultrasonic blade by a first lateral gap distance. The second electrode side portion spaced from the first electrode side portion and is spaced laterally outward from the second lateral side of the ultrasonic blade by a second lateral gap distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason R. Lesko, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig T. Davis, Frederick L. Estera
  • Patent number: 11058448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument that includes a battery assembly, a handle assembly, and a shaft assembly where the battery assembly and the shaft assembly are configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the handle assembly. The battery assembly includes a control circuit configured to generate a digital waveform. The handle assembly includes a first stage circuit configured to receive the digital waveform, convert the digital waveform into an analog waveform, and amplify the analog waveform. The shaft assembly includes a second stage circuit coupled to the first stage circuit to receive, amplify, and apply the analog waveform to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 11051841
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a handle assembly including at least one user input feature; an ultrasonic transducer supported by the handle assembly, a shaft assembly configured to removably couple with the handle assembly, and a mechanical lockout assembly. The shaft assembly includes a distal end portion. The shaft assembly further includes an end effector extending distally from the distal end portion, and an ultrasonic waveguide configured to be acoustically coupled with the ultrasonic transducer. The mechanical lockout assembly is configured to move between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the handle assembly and the shaft assembly are only partially coupled together physically preventing the user from activating the instrument using the user input feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Waters
  • Patent number: 11051827
    Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument includes a housing, a movable handle, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly is disposed at least partially within the housing. The plunger assembly includes a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis, a distal portion and a biasing element. The biasing element is positioned between a part of the proximal portion and a part of the distal portion. Distal translation of the distal portion of the plunger assembly relative to the housing is configured to affect a function of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Matthew A. Dinino
  • Patent number: 11045272
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body with a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control the tool. The hand controller apparatus can also include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The hand controller apparatus can additionally include a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Michael Kelly, Michael Darter Collins, Zachary Kevin Durand, William Jacob Ward, Mark Curtis Rector
  • Patent number: 11033316
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade driven by the ultrasonic transducer to treat tissue with ultrasonic energy. A tissue treatment portion of the ultrasonic blade includes a linear blade region extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a curved blade region extending distally from the linear blade region along a curved path that deflects laterally from the longitudinal axis, an upper treatment side, a lower treatment side, a first lateral side having a first sweeping side surface, and a second lateral side having a second sweeping side surface. The sweeping side surfaces define respective first and second side edges of a transverse cross-section of the tissue treatment portion, and are configured such that the first and second side edges are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick L. Estera
  • Patent number: 10987051
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises an instrument body, an end effector, and a control module. The end effector is in communication with the handle assembly. The end effector is operable for use in a surgical procedure. The control module is in communication with the end effector. The end effector with the control module is able to deliver surgical energy as well as nerve excitation energy to a surgical site. A surgeon may detect stimulation of nervous tissue by visually observing the tissue twitch, and may adjust surgical technique accordingly. A sensor may be used to detect excitation of nervous tissue based on excitation caused by the nerve excitation energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Amy L. Marcotte, Timothy G. Dietz, Donna L. Korvick, Ashvani K. Madan, William D. Dannaher
  • Patent number: 10987124
    Abstract: A jaw member for use with a surgical instrument includes a support base, a jaw liner, and an elongated plate. The support base defines a cavity therein configured for receipt of the jaw liner. The elongated plate is configured to be seated in the cavity of the support base adjacent the jaw liner to secure the jaw liner relative to the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Netzel, Jason L. Craig
  • Patent number: 10981330
    Abstract: A method of forming a part using additive manufacturing may include receiving, at a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, a computer aided design (CAD) model of the part. The method may further include dividing the CAD model into plurality of sections. The method may further include slicing each of the plurality of sections into a plurality of layers. Each section may include a distinct set of print parameters. The method may further include depositing a flowable material onto a worktable according the set of print parameters for each section of the of the plurality of sections to manufacture the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Nicolas C. Vote
  • Patent number: 10973542
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Richard C. Smith, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig N. Faller, David A. Witt
  • Patent number: 10966777
    Abstract: A treatment device includes a vibrator capable of ultrasonically vibrating, a front mass portion having a first resonance frequency and connected to the vibrator in a manner capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibration, a treatment probe configured to treat a subject and having a second resonance frequency that is higher than the first resonance frequency of the front mass portion, and a connection portion connecting a distal end surface of the front mass portion and a proximal end surface of the treatment probe by a pressing force, and serving as an antinode position when vibrating at the first resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Sanai, Kenichi Kimura, Masashi Yamada, Masami Oshida
  • Patent number: 10966745
    Abstract: A medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vibration transmission member that comprises a node position of vibration and an area including the node position and a portion at a distal end side relative to the node position, and to which the vibration is transmitted; a first coating that covers a side of the node position of the area; and a second coating that covers a distal end side relative to the first coating of the area and has a thickness smaller than that of the first coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsunetaka Akagane
  • Patent number: 10960370
    Abstract: An ultrasonic system for homogenizing a sample includes an ultrasonic transducer and a control system. The transducer includes a horn or other probe that oscillates to produce cavitation in the sample and a converter that drives the horn through its oscillatory motion. The control system includes a closed-loop amplitude-control configuration and process. In particular, the control system includes a user interface, a controller, and a high-frequency driver, all connected together in a closed-loop configuration for enabling amplitude-control feedback. Control software includes programming for the closed-loop amplitude-control process including receiving a user-inputted desired amplitude of oscillatory horn motion, driving the transducer at a corresponding power level, determining the actual amplitude of oscillatory horn motion, and automatically adjusting the power level to the transducer to maintain the desired amplitude during operation of the ultrasonic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Omni International, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Smith, Chase Campbell
  • Patent number: 10959748
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, Benjamin M. Boyd, David C. Groene, Benjamin V. Vins, William C. Horton, III, Ashvani K. Madan
  • Patent number: 10955387
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical apparatus and method, the apparatus including a signal generator outputting a drive signal having a frequency, an oscillating structure, receiving the drive signal and oscillating at the frequency of the drive signal, and a bridge circuit, detecting the mechanical motion of the oscillating structure and outputting a signal representative of the mechanical motion. The ultrasonic surgical apparatus also includes a microcontroller receiving the signal output by the bridge circuit, the microcontroller determining an instantaneous frequency at which the oscillating structure is oscillating based on the received signal, and determining a frequency adjustment necessary to maintain the oscillating structure oscillating at its resonance frequency, the microcontroller further determining the quality (Q value) of the signal received from the bridge circuit and determining material type contacting the oscillating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anthony B. Ross, David J. Van Tol, David S. Price
  • Patent number: 10953246
    Abstract: A piezoelectric system for ultrasonic thermotherapy and electrotherapy comprises a first piezoelectric element, a proof mass, a second piezoelectric element and an output unit. The proof mass is disposed between the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is powered by a power source to generate oscillation, which is transferred by the proof mass to the second piezoelectric element so as to cause the second piezoelectric element to move and generate power. The output unit comprises a connecting surface and a tip surface. The output unit is electronically connected with the second piezoelectric element, wherein the connecting surface is connected with the first piezoelectric element and the tip surface is formed in a tapered shape. The oscillation from the first piezoelectric element and the power generated by the second piezoelectric element are output through the tip surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Chung-Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Yung Ting, Sheuan-Perng Lin, Chih-Hsuan Yu
  • Patent number: 10945755
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a first modular assembly including at least one operator input feature an ultrasonic transducer supported by the first modular assembly, and a second modular assembly configured to be removably coupled with the first modular assembly. The second modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector extending distally from a distal end portion of the second modular assembly. The instrument includes a mechanical lockout assembly configured to switch between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are partially coupled together such that the operator is physically prevented from activating the instrument using the operator input feature. In the unlocked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are completely coupled together and the operator is able to activate the instrument using the operator input feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Cameron D. McLain, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Waters
  • Patent number: 10932798
    Abstract: A lithotripter is provided that includes a lithotripsy apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract stone by fragmentation. The lithotripsy apparatus includes a lithotripsy wave guide shaft configured to transmit an energy form to at least one urinary tract stone. The lithotripter includes a sensing device configured to provide signal data for determining optimal application of energy during treatment with the lithotripsy apparatus. The lithotripter includes a processor configured to collect the signal data and provide feedback to a user. The processor has a control logic configured to determine at least one of: a) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a tissue; b) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a stone; c) type of stone; d) if a user is applying force in excess of a predetermined threshold; and e) physical characteristics of a stone. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Shelton, Lawrence J. St. George, Artemie G. Gavala
  • Patent number: 10925630
    Abstract: Surgical devices and systems having rotating end effector assemblies for treating tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can include a housing, an instrument shaft extending from the housing, and an effector assembly, in which the instrument shaft includes an outer sleeve, a waveguide, and a rotation assembly having an inner sleeve. Methods for using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Alex Cuti, Demetrius Harris
  • Patent number: 10912581
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods are provided for controlling actuation and movement of various surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey D. Messerly
  • Patent number: 10898282
    Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Brent Andrew Bailey, Trevor James Dell, Bart Verzijlenberg, Adam Philip, Sean Dowling, Robert Lucas
  • Patent number: 10876933
    Abstract: A system, an instrument, a computer-implemented method, and a clinical workflow for mesodissection of biological specimens on tissue slides by incorporating annotations. An image of an annotated reference slide is acquired and transposed onto a plurality of serial samples on the tissue slides along with the corresponding annotations and metadata. The serial samples are milled based on the annotations, and the milled tissue is automatically collected along with a milling buffer solution inside milling tips, and then dispensed in designated collection vials. The instrument automates the filling of aqueous buffer inside the milling tips and the monitoring of the buffer solution and the sequential filling of the milling tips. The workflow provides an integrated interface that performs tissue annotation, alignment, dissection, tracking, and reporting on a single screen. The degree of precision, ease of use and repeatability will improve PCR and NGS test results, ultimately providing timely patient results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignees: VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., ROCHE SEQUENCING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nils B. Adey, Dale B. Emery, Leonid Fomin, Rene M. Guerrero, Emmanuel Naouri, Robert J. Parry, Peter Romanowich
  • Patent number: 10874417
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device including an elongate waveguide having a longitudinal axis an a distal end, and a blade extending away from the distal end of the waveguide, the blade including a curved portion that includes first and second opposed faces extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the length of the blade. Each of the first and second faces has a width that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and a length that extends orthogonal to the width. A pair of hook portions are located on opposite sides of the blade. A method of fabricating an ultrasonic surgical device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: REACH SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jean Beaupre
  • Patent number: 10869689
    Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body having an axis and proximal and distal end portions spaced apart from one another along the axis. The elongate body is sized and shaped to be received in the body lumen. A handle is mounted to the proximal end portion of the elongate body and operable to cause rotation of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on the distal end portion of the elongate body. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the inner liner. A sensor is arranged with respect to the elongate body and inner liner and is configured to detect wear of the inner liner caused by the elongate body contacting the inner liner during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Fleming, Aram Jamous, John Kelly, Conor McMullen, Colin William Meade, Grainne Teresa Carroll
  • Patent number: 10856896
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Karen K. Isaacs, Kenneth S. Kramer, Michael R. Lamping, Ashvani K. Madan, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Eitan T. Wiener, Joseph E. Young
  • Patent number: 10842522
    Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments having angularly and/or linearly off-set blades are described. The angularly and/or linearly off-set blades may facilitate increased surgical site access, visibility, and manipulability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Cory G Kimball, William E. Clem, Gregory W. Johnson, Frederick Estera, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Foster B. Stulen
  • Patent number: 10835274
    Abstract: A method of surgically cutting tissue with an ultrasonic instrument that comprises an ultrasonic waveguide that is movable along a longitudinal extent of the ultrasonic instrument comprises the steps of temporarily compressing tissue between two opposing jaws disposed at a distal end of the ultrasonic instrument, applying a resonant ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic waveguide, and moving the ultrasonic waveguide in a distal direction along the longitudinal extent to advance the ultrasonic waveguide between at least a portion of the jaws to cut and seal the tissue temporarily secured between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10835245
    Abstract: A method comprising the steps of obtaining a shaft assembly comprising an end effector, attaching the shaft assembly to a handle of a surgical instrument, wherein the handle comprises a trigger operable to actuate a function of the end effector when the shaft assembly is attached to the handle, removing the shaft assembly from the handle, attaching the shaft assembly to an arm of a surgical robot and removing the shaft assembly from the arm is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10828056
    Abstract: Various ultrasonic instruments are disclosed. The ultrasonic instruments include an ultrasonic waveguide acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. Several techniques for acoustically coupling the ultrasonic transducer to the ultrasonic waveguide are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Ryan M. Asher, Joseph D. Dennis, Brian D. Black, Craig T. Davis, Mark E. Tebbe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Frederick Estera, William A. Olson, Amelia Pierce, James Wilson, William D. Dannaher, Fajian Zhang, Foster B. Stulen
  • Patent number: 10813660
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment device includes a first vibration transmitting member and a second vibration transmitting member and being configured to treat a biological tissue by means of vibration transmitted by the first vibration transmitting member and the second vibration transmitting member. At a boundary position between the first vibration transmitting member and the second vibration transmitting member, the first vibration transmitting member has a boundary face including a contacting area that is in contact with the second vibration transmitting member at the face, and a non-contacting area that is not in contact with the second vibration transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Yamada, Hideo Sanai, Masami Oshida
  • Patent number: 10813702
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The interface assembly is operable to drive the end effector. The interface assembly comprises a base and a plurality of drive shafts. The base is configured to couple with a dock of a robotic control system. The drive shafts are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. A first drive shaft may be operable to rotate the shaft assembly relative to the base. A second drive shaft may be operable to drive the articulation section. A third drive shaft may be operable to drive a clamping arm to pivot toward the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Foster B. Stulen
  • Patent number: 10786275
    Abstract: An ultrasonic tool system with a console (230) and a tip (142) that has a distal end that when vibrated vibrates both longitudinally and torsionally. The console applies a drive signal to the drivers (36) that vibrate the tip that is at a longitudinal mechanical cancelation frequency. Consequently, when the tip is vibrated, at the distal end the longitudinal component of a first resonant mode of the tip cancel out the longitudinal component of the second resonant move of the tip so the distal end of the tip engages in vibrations that substantially torsional and only minimally longitudinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Adam Downey
  • Patent number: 10779845
    Abstract: Various embodiments are direct to a surgical instrument comprising and end effector, an articulating shaft and an ultrasonic transducer assembly. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade. The articulating shaft may extend proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis and may comprise a proximal shaft member and a distal shaft member pivotably coupled at an articulation joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may comprise an ultrasonic transducer acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may be positioned distally from the articulation joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Timothy G. Dietz, Gary W. Knight
  • Patent number: 10779847
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include various ultrasonic surgical instruments. At least one disclosed surgical instrument includes a waveguide including a blade and a transducer base plate. The transducer base plate may be coupled to the waveguide to define a tapered joint at an interface between the waveguide and the transducer base plate. The transducer base plate may include first and second sides defining corresponding first and second flat faces configured to receive first and second piezoelectric elements. The first and second piezoelectric elements are configured to operate in a D31 mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Black, Frederick Estera, Jason R. Lesko, Benjamin M. Boyd, Kevin M. Fiebig, Chad P. Boudreaux, Grace E. Waters, Kristen G. Denzinger, Amy M. Krumm, Amelia A. Pierce, Chad E. Eckert, Joseph D. Dennis, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Monica L. Zeckel, William A. Olson, Patrick J. Scoggins, Larry A. Pummill, Jr., John S. Frazier, William A. Crawford, Brian J. Hemmelgarn, Eric Stout, Benjamin D. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 10772656
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, and an end effector. The acoustic waveguide extends along the shaft and is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotable toward the ultrasonic blade. The end effector defines a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade in the first longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to sever tissue with the ultrasonic blade in the second longitudinal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, David A. Witt, Foster B. Stulen, Christopher A. Papa, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10765440
    Abstract: A system, device and method for removing occlusive material from a bodily lumen comprising a catheter with a distally mounted and fluid-fillable litho-cushion in operative connection with at least one forward-focusing reflector. The catheter comprises a lumen with an electrode pair housing disposed in watertight engagement with the lumen at or near the distal end of the lumen, the electrode pair housing comprising at least one electrode pair. The at least one electrode pair is in wired communication with a pulse generator, wherein the electrode pair is configured to generate an electrical arc between the electrodes of the electrode pair with subsequent generation of a shock wave. The shock wave is directed distally out of the catheter lumen and focused forward and distally away from the catheter lumen by the at least one reflector toward the targeted occlusive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Sonic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Tozzi
  • Patent number: 10743903
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic supported by the body, a shaft extending distally from the body and defining a shaft axis, a waveguide extending distally through the shaft, and an end effector arranged at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade coupled to a distal end of the waveguide and having a primary blade treatment surface configured to treat tissue, and a clamp arm coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft and the waveguide are selectively rotatable relative to one another about the shaft axis through a predefined range of angular motion between an assembly state and an operational state. In the assembly state, the clamp arm and the primary blade treatment surface are rotationally offset from one another. In the operational state, the clamp arm and the primary blade treatment surface are rotationally aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Matthew C. Miller, Sean P. Conlon, Michael E. Boehm, Richard W. Flaker, Bryce Hansen, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz
  • Patent number: 10729458
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. At least one sensor is configured to sense at least one operational parameter of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. At least one controller in operable communication with the at least one sensor is configured to terminate delivery of ultrasonic energy to the cutting blade when the at least one sensor senses the at least one operational parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
  • Patent number: 10722261
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a housing, a transducer supported within the housing, an end-effector engaged with the transducer, and a clamp including a jaw member movably supported relative to the end-effector between an open position and a closed position. The transducer is configured to produce vibrations. The end-effector defines an axis and a distal tip. The distal tip is movable relative to the axis by vibrations produced by the transducer. The end-effector is configured to be detached from the transducer. The transducer is configured to receive a different end-effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Tracy D. Lopes, Prasanna Malaviya, Daniel W. Price, Louis T. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 10709470
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer rotatably supported within the body and having a threaded distal end, a shaft extending from the body, a waveguide extending through the shaft and having a threaded proximal end configured to threadedly engage the threaded distal end to define a threaded coupling, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. An integrated torque wrench mechanism is arranged within the body and includes a first torque wrench member rotationally coupled with a proximal end of the transducer, and a second torque wrench member arranged proximally of the first torque wrench member. The torque wrench members are configured to selectively couple together and frictionally engage one another to facilitate application of a predetermined maximum torque to the threaded coupling. The torque wrench members are configured to automatically decouple upon application of the predetermined maximum torque to the threaded coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Tebbe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Tony C. Siebel, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 10702297
    Abstract: The treatment section integrally includes, on the distal side of a probe, a cortical bone abrasion portion which abrades a living body tissue or a bone among treated target parts by mechanical abrasion by ultrasonic vibration, and a cartilage abrasion portion which generates heat by ultrasonic vibration and abrades a cartilage among the treated target parts by dissolutive abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Yamada, Yasuo Tanigami