Patents Assigned to Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
  • Instrument flushing system
    Patent number: 11805975
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes an instrument shaft with exit holes near a distal end of the shaft, a tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a backend. The backend may include a mechanism that manipulates a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft. Cleaning fluid is directed into the fluid inlet, through the fluid channel assembly, and into the shaft. A chassis or other structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bram Gilbert Antoon Lambrecht, S. Christopher Anderson, Thomas G. Cooper
  • Wrist architecture
    Patent number: 11806016
    Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, and a wrist assembly. The wrist assembly includes a first outer link, a first inner link, and a second outer link. The first outer link is connected to the shaft and includes first gear teeth. The first inner link is pivotally coupled with the first outer link. The second outer link is pivotally coupled with the first inner link. The second outer link includes second gear teeth that interface with the first gear teeth and control orientation of the first inner link relative to the first outer link and the first outer link throughout a range of orientations of the wrist assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Dynamic aperture positioning for stereo endoscopic cameras
    Patent number: 11805984
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope comprises at least one image sensor for sensing a first image and a second image of a pair of stereo images. The first image is sensed based on light passing through a first aperture within the stereoscopic endoscope and the second image is sensed based on light passing through a second aperture within the stereoscopic endoscope. The stereoscope endoscope comprises a liquid crystal layer disposed between two layers of glass comprising a first arrangement of electrodes, such that each of the first aperture and the second aperture is created in the liquid crystal layer using a portion of the first arrangement of electrodes, wherein a spacing between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a polarization state associated with each of the first and second apertures are controlled using corresponding control signals provided through the first arrangement of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ian E. McDowall, Arthur Louis Berman
  • AN OPTICAL FIBER WITH MICROGRATINGS FOR INCREASED MEASURABLE STRAIN RANGE
    Publication number: 20230349733
    Abstract: An optical fiber with one or more microgratings is disclosed. Methods and apparatus are described for making an optical fiber with one or more microgratings. Methods and apparatus are described for an optical fiber with one or more microgratings. Optical sensing methods and an optical sensing system effectively decouple strain range from the laser tuning range, permit the use of a smaller tuning range without sacrificing strain range, and compensate for ambiguity in phase measurements normally associated with smaller tuning ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Froggatt, Dawn K. Gifford, Alexander K. Sang
  • Estimation of a position and orientation of a frame used in controlling movement of a tool
    Patent number: 11801100
    Abstract: A system includes a control device, a manipulator configured to support a tool having a tool frame; and at least one processor coupled to the control device and the manipulator. The at least one processor configured to perform a method. The method includes receiving one or more images captured by an image-capturing system, the image-capturing system having an image frame. The tool is visible in the one or more images. The method also includes determining an estimated frame transform based on the one or more images. The estimated frame transform is used in defining an unknown frame transform between the image frame and the tool frame. The method also includes determining, in response to an input received at the control device, an output movement for the tool based on the estimated frame transform. The method also includes causing movement of the tool based on the output movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, John R. Steger, David Q. Larkin
  • Graphical user interface for catheter positioning and insertion
    Patent number: 11800991
    Abstract: A method of guiding an interventional instrument within a patient anatomy comprises processing a target location within the patient anatomy and receiving a position for a tip portion of an interventional instrument at a first location within the patient anatomy. The method also comprises determining a three-dimensional distance between the first location and the target location and displaying a symbol representing the target location and a symbol representing the tip portion of the interventional instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Duindam, Carol Reiley
  • Tool memory-based software upgrades for robotic surgery
    Patent number: 11801102
    Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swamp, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
  • Systems and methods for using a robotic medical system
    Patent number: 11793585
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting an instrument manipulator comprises a proximal link and a distal link configured to extend from the proximal link. The support structure further comprises a base joint coupling the proximal link of the support structure to a base, and the proximal link is configured to rotate about a first axis associated with the base joint. The support structure further comprises a counterbalance mechanism comprising a counterweight block configured to move linearly within the support structure. The counterweight block has a counterweight mass to counterbalance a combined mass of the support structure and the instrument manipulator as the distal link extends from the proximal link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Cassell, David W. Bailey, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Timothy D. Boucher, Matthew D. Rohr Daniel
  • Methods and systems for detecting staple cartridge misfire or failure
    Patent number: 11793519
    Abstract: A system comprises a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the second jaw member comprising or being configured to receive a plurality of staples; and an actuation mechanism operably coupled to the end effector to actuate the end effector to perform at least one of a clamping procedure or a staple firing procedure. The system further comprises a drive system configured to drive the actuation mechanism, a controller operably coupled to the drive system, and a user interface operably coupled to the controller, which is configured to determine the clamping procedure or the staple firing procedure has failed based on a magnitude of an actuation force applied by the drive system to the actuation mechanism; and cause the user interface to output a failure indication indicative of the failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Flanagan, David W. Weir
  • Preloaded surgical instrument interface
    Patent number: 11793587
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly. From the drive output disk in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cooper, Anthony K. McGrogan, Robert E. Holop, Todd R. Solomon, Eugene F. Duval, Kent M. Anderson
  • Surgical instrument ports configured for use with wound retractors, and related devices and methods
    Patent number: 11793985
    Abstract: A surgical port includes an end face with a channel extending through the end face. The channel has a cross section shaped to receive a surgical instrument cannula. A lateral wall extends around a perimeter of the end face. The lateral wall and end face enclose an open volume. A rim extends radially inward from the lateral wall and projects into the open volume. An apron portion extends radially outward from the lateral wall and in a direction axially away from the end face. Surgical systems may include surgical ports. Methods relate to using surgical ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian M. Crews, Sam T. Crews, Craig R. Gerbi, Michael Hurst, Sumona Adhya
  • Surgical system with obstacle indication system
    Patent number: 11793581
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system may comprise a column extending from a base, the column having a first end connected to the base and a second end opposite the first end. The patient side cart may further include a surgical instrument manipulator arm coupled proximate the second end of the column, and an obstacle indication system comprising an illumination source mounted on the patient side cart at a height above a location the surgical instrument manipulator arm is coupled to the second end of the column, the height being measured in a direction the column extends from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Michael L. Hanuschik, Paul W. Mohr
  • Complex irrigation/suction flow path in a medical device
    Patent number: 11793990
    Abstract: A suction/irrigation medical device comprises a valve body having one or more conduits fluidically coupled thereto and a first channel extending through the valve body. The medical device also comprises a first valve plunger disposed along the first channel and configured to move along an axis to open and close the first channel. The first valve plunger has a first opening to permit a fluid to flow through the first channel. The medical device also comprises a second valve plunger disposed along the first channel and along a second channel to couple the second channel into the first channel when the second valve plunger is in a first position. The second valve plunger has a second opening that has at least one dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the first opening of the first valve plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward P. Donlon, Craig Tsuji
  • SURGICAL TRAINING DEVICE FOR USE WITH THORACIC TISSUE MODEL AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20230335013
    Abstract: A surgical training device for use with a thoracic tissue model includes a base having a thoracic tissue model receiving area. A first rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a first side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area and a second rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a second side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area opposite the first side. A plurality of simulated ribs each have a first end coupled to the first rib mounting member and a second end coupled to the second rib mounting member, and are repositionable between right and left thoracic configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard H. FEINS, John C. ALEXANDER, JR., Jay ROHDE, Daniel S. OH
  • SURGICAL CANNULAS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF IDENTIFYING SURGICAL CANNULAS
    Publication number: 20230329836
    Abstract: A cannula for insertion of a medical instrument includes a tube portion and an attachment portion coupled to the tube portion. One or more magnets are arranged at the attachment portion and configured to encode identifying information of the cannula. The attachment portion comprises a plurality of encoding positions that each indicate part of the identifying information; and for each encoding position of the plurality of encoding positions, absence of one of the one or more magnets at the respective encoding position indicates a first value, presence of one of the one of the magnets with a first orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a second value, and presence of one of the one of the magnets with a second orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a third value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Garbus, Allen C. Thompson, Justin Krom
  • SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SWITCHES FOR DEACTIVATING AND/OR IDENTIFYING STAPLER CARTRIDGES
    Publication number: 20230329711
    Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments include mechanisms for identifying and/or deactivating stapler cartridge for use with the instruments. The stapling instrument includes a drive member for actuating a staple cartridge and a locking member movable from a disabled position permitting distal translation of the drive member through a staple firing stroke, to a locking position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge may include a switch for maintaining the locking member in the disabled position. The switch may be further configured to operate as a reload detection mechanism for determining the type of reload present in the surgical stapling instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Wixey, Atal Patel, Babak D. Jasemian, Nicholas Ragosta
  • SURGICAL PORT FEATURES WITH ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE PORTIONS, RELATED DEVICES, AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20230330406
    Abstract: A method of electrically grounding a medical instrument includes inserting a medical instrument through a channel of a surgical port extending from a first end of the surgical port to a second end of the surgical port and while the medical instrument is inserted through the channel, contacting the medical instrument with an electrically conductive material portion protruding into an interior of the channel and extending through a sidewall of the surgical port. Contact of the medical instrument with the electrically conductive material portion does not extend around an entire circumference of the medical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael HURST, Sam CREWS, Bryan E. BLAIR
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT REPROCESSING
    Publication number: 20230329814
    Abstract: A method of reprocessing a surgical instrument includes flowing a flow of irrigation fluid through an accessory drive device operably coupled to the surgical instrument, the accessory drive device comprising inflatable bladders, and the flow of irrigation fluid causing inflation of the bladders. The method further includes converting inflation of the bladders to motion of an input drive member of the surgical instrument; converting the motion of the input drive member to motion of an actuation element of the surgical instrument; converting the motion of the actuation element to motion of a distal component of the surgical instrument; and irrigating the surgical instrument with the flow of irrigation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Allen Limon
  • Remotely controlling a system using video
    Patent number: 11786325
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling a system using video are provided. A method in accordance the present disclosure includes detecting a video signal of an auxiliary system at a video input, wherein the video signal including images encoded with control information. The method also includes determining that the images included in the video signal include the control information. The method further includes extracting the control information from the images. Additionally, the method includes modifying operations of the system based on the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tabish Mustufa, Brandon Itkowitz
  • Medical devices, systems, and methods using eye gaze tracking for stereo viewer
    Patent number: 11792386
    Abstract: An eye tracking system may comprise an image display configured to display a stereo image of a surgical field to a user, a right eye tracker configured to measure data about a first gaze point of a right eye of the user, and a left eye tracker configured to measure data about a second gaze point of a left eye of the user. The eye tracking system may also comprise at least one processor configured to process the data about the first gaze point and the second gaze point to determine a viewing location in the displayed stereo image at which a three-dimensional gaze point of the user is directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Michael Jarc