Patents Assigned to Covidien AG
  • Patent number: 10188452
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, Paul Hermes, Sean T. Dycus
  • Patent number: 10188451
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing, a shaft affixed to the housing,. and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps also includes a tubular reciprocating sleeve for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position in which the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation to each other to a second position in which the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Darion R. Peterson, Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 10172668
    Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, James S. Cunningham, Michael C. Moses, Roger F. Smith, Kristin D. Johnson, Paul R. Romero
  • Patent number: 10058375
    Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes extending a distal tip of an electrode of a surgical instrument from a body of the surgical instrument to expose the distal tip by sliding the electrode along a longitudinal axis defined by the body, delivering energy from the distal tip to tissue, and applying suction adjacent the distal end of the body with a suction pipe of the surgical instrument. The distal tip of the electrode may include a collapsible portion. Extending the distal tip of the electrode may include moving the collapsible portion to extend beyond an outer radial dimension of a nose of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Amarsinh D. Jadhav, Nikhil P. Mankar
  • Patent number: 10022180
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes jaws, a cutting assembly, and at least one cam assembly. At least one jaw is moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions for grasping tissue. At least one jaw includes a control trough that extends therealong. The pivot has first and second pivot bosses defining a pivot hole therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a blade and blade control portion, and defines a longitudinal axis through the blade and the control portion. The control portion slidably translates through the pivot hole defined between the pivot bosses to allow selective advancement thereof through the trough. The blade is disposed distally of the pivot and extends farther from the axis than an outer surface of the control portion. The cam assembly is coupled to the moveable jaw and is actuatable to move the movable jaw between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Thomas O. Bales, Korey Kline, Sean McBrayer
  • Patent number: 9980770
    Abstract: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Chelsea Shields, Edward C. Meagher
  • Patent number: 9949787
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing including a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first, spaced position relative to each other to a second, closed position for manipulating tissue. A handle is included which is rotatable to force a drive flange of the handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis and the drive flange is located along the longitudinal axis. The forceps connects to an energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr, Darion R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9913962
    Abstract: A catheter is provided including a first lumen and a second lumen. A first member is disposed for relative movement within the first lumen and defines a cavity. A second member is disposed for relative movement within the second lumen. The cavity of the first member is configured for disposal of the second member. The catheter may include an elongated tubular body that includes the first lumen and the second lumen. The first member may have a distal portion that extends beyond the distal end of the body. The distal portion may include the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a member lumen. The first and second members may include tubular stylettes. The second member may include a guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Michael G. Tal, Brett Haarala, Christopher V. Rainieri, Richard Braga
  • Patent number: 9877715
    Abstract: A medical suturing instrument in which the movement of an operation part is transmitted with a time lag to a loop forming part and a suture thread by means of a loop feed/return mechanism and a suture thread feed mechanism, and once a loop has been fed out from the tip end of a loop introduction needle, the suture thread is fed out from the tip end of a suture thread introduction needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Yosuke Sakai
  • Patent number: 9872696
    Abstract: A battery-powered, modular surgical device includes an electrically powered surgical instrument operable to surgically interface with human tissue and a handle assembly connected to the surgical instrument. The handle assembly has a removable hand grip and a handle body. The hand grip is shaped to permit handling of the surgical device by one hand of an operator, has an upper portion and a cordless internal battery assembly that powers the surgical instrument. The internal battery assembly has at least one energy storage cell. The handle body is operable to removably connect at least the upper portion of the hand grip thereto and create an aseptic seal around at least a portion of the hand grip when connected thereto and electrically couple the internal battery assembly of the hand grip to the surgical instrument and thereby power the surgical instrument for interfacing surgically with the human tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9861382
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer, and a current controller operable to regulate the motional current by varying an output of the variable power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9861430
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Darion R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9848932
    Abstract: An ablation electrode system includes a handle assembly; a needle electrode assembly supported in and extending from the handle assembly. The needle electrode assembly includes an outer tube having at least a conductive distal tip and defining a cavity therein; and an inner tube disposed at least partially within the cavity of the outer tube and defining a lumen therein. The ablation electrode assembly includes a hub assembly fluidly connected to the needle electrode assembly. The hub assembly defines a first chamber and a second chamber; wherein the proximal end portion of the inner tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the proximal end portion of the outer tube is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The ablation electrode assembly includes a first fluid conduit fluidly connected to the first chamber; and a second fluid conduit fluidly connected to the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Arnold V. Decarlo, Gene H. Arts
  • Patent number: 9848938
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical instruments for use in sealing various tissues. The instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members attached thereto. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position for approximating tissue to at least one additional position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members have an elastomeric material disposed on an inner facing tissue contacting surface thereof with the elastomeric materials including an electrode disposed therein. The electrodes are offset a distance X relative to one another such that when the jaw members are closed about the tissue and when the electrodes are activated, electrosurgical energy flows through the tissue in a generally coplanar manner relative to the tissue contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: David A. Schechter, Kristin D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170325836
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer, and a current controller operable to regulate the motional current by varying an output of the variable power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9782180
    Abstract: A method of maintaining a constant movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide includes providing an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, and a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer. Current is supplied through a set of connection points of the parallel configuration with the variable power source to, thereby, create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer and the motional current is regulated with a current controller by varying an output of the power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9782217
    Abstract: A circuit for generating a radio-frequency signal for a surgical device is disclosed. The circuit has a voltage regulator that supplies direct current (DC) voltage, a first MOSFET, a second MOSFET, and a MOSFET driver. The MOSFET driver receives the DC voltage supplied from the voltage regulator and has a local oscillator. The local oscillator switches the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET on and off at a frequency generated by the local oscillator. The circuit further includes a transformer connected to the first and second MOSFETs, having a center tap and a main voltage applied at the center tap, and providing an alternating current (AC) output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Matthew A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9768373
    Abstract: A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: James H. Orszulak, James W. McPherson
  • Patent number: 9737357
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Darion R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9642665
    Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Craig Weinberg, Kari Leidich