Patents Examined by Peter A. Aschenbrenner
  • Patent number: 5630824
    Abstract: A suture locking button is described. The device includes a base element with a first axial passage for receiving at least one, and preferably two, suture filaments that is attached via a frangible membrane to a locking dement. The locking dement is adapted for movement from a first position, where the locking element extends outwardly from the base dement, to a second position, where the locking element is disposed within the base element by disrupting the frangible membrane to trap the suture filament(s) within the first axial passage between the locking element and the base element. The locking element may have a flange integral with its proximal end that effectively prevents the base element from backing out of the tissue in a direction proximal to the tissue. The invention also pertains to the combination of a suture and a device for securing the suture to a tissue. A method for securing tissue by way of a suture is also included within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey D. Hart
  • Patent number: 5501681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, cooling the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature below 32.degree. F. for a period of about 4 to about 12 minutes and preferably about 6 minutes, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventors: Robert S. Neuwirth, Lee R. Bolduc
  • Patent number: 5474570
    Abstract: A surgical suture clamp is provided with two clamp jaws positioned movably one in relation to the other in a forceps-like manner. It is formed as an endoscopable suture clamp to be inserted into the body through a trocar and provided with a leading tube, in the vicinity of the inner tube end of which, to be lead into the body, at least one clamp jaw is positioned to be pivotably driven in relation to the second clamp jaw. A drive is arranged in the portion of the outer tube end remaining outside the body and is coupled by way of a transmission with the at least one pivotably driven clamp jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventors: Ferdinand Kockerling, Ignaz Schneider
  • Patent number: 5474566
    Abstract: A self-contained powered surgical clip applier is provided which includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and housing a plurality of surgical clips. The powered clip applier further includes a jaw assembly operatively associated with a distal end of the elongate body and actuable to move between an open position and a closed position, a motor assembly disposed within the elongate body, a power supply positioned within the elongate body for energizing the motor assembly, a clip pusher configured to individually advance surgical clips into the jaw assembly, and an actuation channel driven by the motor assembly and configured to translate through the elongate body to drive the clip pusher and actuate the jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Alesi, Wayne P. Young, Henry Bolanos, Carlo A. Mililli, Dominick L. Mastri, Leonard Stern
  • Patent number: 5472439
    Abstract: A reusable endoscopic surgical instrument includes a handle assembly attached to a slender shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes inner and outer shafts, with the inner shaft being rotatable by operation of the handle assembly to rotate a surgical tool operably connected to the distal end of a pushrod disposed within the inner shaft. The handle assembly includes first actuating mechanism for actuating the pushrod to operate the surgical tool and a second actuating mechanism for rotating the inner shaft. The outer shaft is axially slidable with respect to the inner shaft to cover a flush port system in the handle assembly for cleaning and improved sterilizability of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Stanley M. Hurd
  • Patent number: 5468239
    Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for a circumferential laser and methods for using a circumferential burning laser are disclosed. The circumferential burning laser comprises a conical surface at the distal end of a probe of the laser which is coated with a highly reflective material such as gold. The conical, reflective surface is designed so as to direct the laser light which is emitted through the interior metal lumen of the laser probe so that the laser light is redirected perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the laser probe. This is in contradistinction to the typical laser probe wherein the laser light is directed longitudinally through the end of the laser probe. The laser light is provided by a carbon dioxide laser which is attached at the proximal end of the laser probe.The present invention also comprises methods for using a circumferential burning laser. The methods for using a circumferential burning laser involve placing the above-described laser probe in position relative to a target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Sorenson Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. C. Tanner, James L. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 5462560
    Abstract: A double needle ligature device for efficiently creating a loop suture for closing wounds, such as trocar wounds. The device preferrably includes a double rod-in-needle assembly to ensure that the suture is positively held in place during needle retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Tahoe Surgical Instruments
    Inventor: Jon A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5460427
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle which includes a seat, a seat back, and mounting means mounting the seat for movement in fore and aft directions in the vehicle along an upwardly concaved arcuate path. The arcuate path has a radius of curvature which is sufficiently large to timely move in front of and to contain the person's buttocks, to significantly slow the rate of deceleration of the person seated on said seat, and being sufficiently small to convert a portion of the linear momentum of the person's buttocks to angular momentum thus maintaining frictional contact of the person's buttocks with the seat during stopping at a high rate of deceleration. A seat assembly which includes a lower lumbar support member that is coupled from movement in response to pelvic tilting movement of the seat also is shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Hector Serber
  • Patent number: 5460628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, heating the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature of 190.degree. to 215.degree. F. and preferably 210.degree. F. for a period of 4 to 12 minutes and preferably 6 minutes and regulating said apparatus by means located external to the uterus, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium. An agitator circulates the fluid within the distendable bladder to help keep the fluid at a uniform temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Robert S. Neuwirth, Lee R. Bolduc
  • Patent number: 5460626
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of removing smoke and vaporized tissue from a patient's mouth and controlling a patient's tongue through use of a hollow tongue blade coupled to a pneumatic evacuation device which can be used in conjunction with a pharyngeal handpiece during laser applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Laser Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yosef P. Krespi
  • Patent number: 5458595
    Abstract: An improved vaginal speculum for photodynamic therapy of intraepithelial tissue and in particular vaginal, cervical and vulvar neoplasia utilizes a precisely and accurately positionable optic fiber through which a predetermined dose of light in the range of 620 to 700 nanometers is delivered over a controlled area which has been previously treated with photodynamic therapeutic substances. In particular, the neoplastic area has been treated with hematoporphyrin derivatives and other photosensitizers which are selectively taken into the cancerous tissue. Exposure to the appropriate wavelength laser light photoactivates the absorbed hematoporphyrins causing the release of singlet oxygen which internally oxidizes and ultimately causes cell death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yona Tadir, Michael W. Berns, Brad J. Monk, Glen Profeta, Bruce J. Tromberg
  • Patent number: 5458602
    Abstract: An improved drill guide device is provided for accurately drilling a passageway through bone. The drill guide comprises a support, a curved radial rack, a locator boom movably disposed on the curved radial rack, a drill sleeve and an indexing mechanism. The drill sleeve may be discretely indexed toward the target bone and locked/unlocked in position with a single handed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Mitek Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Marlowe Goble, Harold M. Martins, David P. Luman, Daniel A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5458618
    Abstract: A passive body motion generating table for therapeutically exercising a lumbar recovering patients body, the table having a pivotally mounted leg support section, a pivotally mounted upper body support section, and a stationary lumbar support section, the pivotally mounted sections being pivotally movable in a generally vertically oriented arc by means of a power mechanism which does not employ drive belts, chains or the like, but rather direct bearing-to-rod linkage, wherein the linkage is also constructed to provide asymetric, adjustable pivotal travel of the pivotal support sections above and below a horizontal plane, and further to provide for adjustment of the degree of travel of the pivotal support sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: James M. Steinke
  • Patent number: 5458596
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Dorsal Orthopedic Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Lax, Gary S. Fanton, Stuart D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5458617
    Abstract: For applying traction to an arm or a leg, an elongated body of elastic fabric is provided, which has a plurality of evenly distributed pockets that are elongated transversally of the body. Thin lead strips fit in the pockets as stiffeners. Complementary hook and loop fasteners secure the device around the girth of the arm or leg, so that all of the limb is surrounded by stiffener strips. The inner face of the elastic fabric is provided with a layer of anti-slip material, such as foam rubber, which extends beyond the elastic fabric, both lengthwise and widthwise, of the device. By preference, the device is arcuate in plan and the pockets and stiffener strips correspondingly trapezoidally shaped, when intended to fit around the tapering part of a limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Johan A. Bystrom
  • Patent number: 5456684
    Abstract: A multifunctional minimally invasive surgical instrument. The instrument includes a tool set on the opposite end of a support tube from a handle assembly. Grasping, manipulating, retracting, cutting, cauterizing, irrigation, suction, and electrosurgery functions can be performed by actuating the handle assembly. The tool set can also be rotated and articulated with respect to the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Schmidt, James H. Dettmann
  • Patent number: 5456683
    Abstract: A dismantlable medical instrument has a central working rod (11) with worg tools (25), a guide tube (12) and an outer tube (13). The working rod (11), the guide tube (12) and the outer tube (13) are releasably attached to a handle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Delma Elektro- und Medizinisch Apparatebau Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Gernod Fritzsch, Michael Hermle
  • Patent number: 5454832
    Abstract: An assembly is used to compressibly stabilize a crack in the hoof of a hooved animal to protect the animal from further damage due to stress on the cracked hoof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: John E. Favicchia
  • Patent number: 5451222
    Abstract: A smoke evacuation system is provided for attachment to a surgical desiccator, the surgical desiccator including a desiccator body forming a handle and a cauterizing tip for searing tissue to reduce bleeding. The smoke evacuation system includes a section of tube connected to a suction unit, a front retainer and a rear retainer for holding the tube to the body in a position such that the tube and the desiccator body can be cradled in a surgeon's hand, and a suction tip attachable to the front retainer in a non-interfering position proximate the cauterizing tip. The front retainer defines a passageway connecting the suction tip to the section of tube such that smoke, odors and biological contaminants generated by the cauterizing tip can be efficiently suctioned away through the suction tip, the retainer and the tube by the suction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Desentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. De Maagd, deceased, Jack A. Dekkinga, Donald N. De Maagd
  • Patent number: 5451221
    Abstract: An endoscopic light delivery system for delivering light to tissue includes a laser source for generating light. Fiber optics are optically coupled to the laser source for conveying the light generated by the laser source. A focusing surface is formed at an end of the fiber optics. The focusing surface of the fiber optics is shaped for redirecting light conveyed by the fiber optics in a direction lateral to the fiber optics for cutting tissue. A single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fiber can be used to transmit plural wavelengths of light for aiming cutting and coagulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: George Cho, Horace W. Furumoto, James Boll