Patents by Inventor Chad E. Eckert

Chad E. Eckert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11963682
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III, Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11925309
    Abstract: A surgical hub for use with a surgical system in a surgical procedure performed in an operating room is disclosed. The surgical hub comprises a control circuit configured to generate a first image of a surgical site from a real-time imaging source, receive a second image of the surgical site from a non-real-time image source, align the first image and the second image, generate a representation of the surgical site based on the first image and the second image as aligned, display the representation on a display screen, receive a first user selection to overlay hidden structures on the representation, receive a second user selection to manipulate the representation, and adjust the representation based on the second user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Andrew C. Deck, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert, Daniel J. Mumaw, Kevin M. Fiebig, Sarah A. Worthington
  • Patent number: 11896442
    Abstract: A surgical system for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed. The surgical system includes a surgical visualization system and a control circuit configured to propose a portion of an organ to resect based on visualization data from the surgical visualization system, determine a first value of a non-visualization parameter of the organ prior to resection of the portion, and determine a second value of the non-visualization parameter of the organ after resection of the portion. Resection of the portion is configured to yield an estimated capacity reduction of the organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11890004
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising staples that are lubricated before they are loaded into the staple cartridge and after they have been loaded into the staple cartridge is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason M. Rector, Shannon L. Jones, Ryan W. McGhee, Chad E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 11882993
    Abstract: A method for generating and updating a three-dimensional representation of a surgical site based on imaging data from an imaging system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a first image of the surgical site based on structured electromagnetic radiation emitted from the imaging system, receiving a second image of the surgical site, aligning the first image and the second image, generating a three-dimensional representation of the surgical site based on the first image and the second image as aligned, displaying the three-dimensional representation on a display screen, receiving a user selection to manipulate the three-dimensional representation, and updating the three-dimensional representation as displayed on the display screen from a first state to a second state according to the received user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Andrew C. Deck, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert, Daniel J. Mumaw, Kevin M. Fiebig, Sarah A. Worthington
  • Patent number: 11883122
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for controlling various motions of a tool based on visual indicators. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft and including first and second jaws. The tool can have at least one visual indicator disposed thereon and configured to indicate a size, position, or speed of movement of the tool or components of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 11881119
    Abstract: In general, systems, methods, and devices for modeling air leaks in lungs are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the systems, methods, and devices provide a model to allow for simulation of negative and positive pressure ventilation modes in vitro, which may allow for evaluation and investigation of pathologies and interventions. In addition to ventilation functions the model includes submersion of the lung sample in fluid inside a chamber and cycling the fluid through a collection system to collect air leaked from the lung. The model can allow for quantification and visual observation of air leaks in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Jordan B. Wong, Charles C. Klassen, Harald C. Ott, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11864729
    Abstract: A surgical visualization system is disclosed that comprises a control circuit configured to receive pre-operative imaging data associated with an organ, receive first intraoperative imaging data indicative of a structured light pattern on a surface of the organ, generate a three-dimensional digital representation of the organ based on the pre-operative imaging data and the first intraoperative imaging data, display the three-dimensional digital representation of the organ on a display screen, receive second intraoperative imaging data indicative of a plurality of spectral light waves penetrating the organ, intraoperatively identify a structure below the surface of the organ based on the second intraoperative imaging data, generate a three-dimensional digital representation of the structure below the surface of the organ, and overlay the three-dimensional digital representation of the structure with the three-dimensional digital representation of the organ on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Andrew C. Deck, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert, Daniel J. Mumaw, Kevin M. Fiebig, Sarah A. Worthington
  • Patent number: 11850104
    Abstract: An automated surgical system includes a visualization system, an imaging display system, and a surgical hub. The visualization system includes an illumination source and an imaging device. The surgical hub includes a processor and a memory device configured to store instructions. The instructions direct the surgical hub processor to control the illumination source to illuminate a surgical site and to control the imaging device to receive the imaging data. The surgical processor processes the imaging data to create display data that is transmitted over a cloud-based network to the imaging display system for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20230389922
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, an anvil, a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable into the tissue, wherein the staples are deformable by the anvil, and a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal according to a physiological parameter of the tissue. The surgical instrument further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the sensor signal, and assess proximity of the sensor to cancerous tissue based on the sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 11793582
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which movement of a tool is controlled based on sensed parameters. In one embodiment, an electromechanical tool is provided having an instrument shaft and an end effector formed thereon. The electromechanical tool is configured to be mounted on an electromechanical arm, and the electromechanical tool is configured to move with or relative to the electromechanical arm and perform surgical functions. A controller is operatively coupled to the electromechanical arm and the electromechanical tool and is configured to retard advancement of the electromechanical tool toward a tissue surface based on a sensed amount of displacement of a tissue surface, a strain on the tissue of the patient, the temperature of the electromechanical tool, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11786294
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft assembly, a processor, and a memory is disclosed. The shaft assembly is replaceably connected to the housing. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector. The memory is configured to store program instructions which, when executed from the memory cause the processor to send an electrical interrogation signal to the attached shaft assembly, receive a response signal from the attached shaft assembly, cause a default function to be performed when a response signal is not received by the attached shaft assembly, determine an identifying characteristic of the attached shaft assembly as a result of the performance of the default function, and modify a control program based on the identifying characteristic of the attached shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Kevin M. Fiebig, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 11759251
    Abstract: A surgical system comprising a surgical instrument, a generator configured to supply power to an end effector, and a processor configured to run a control program to operate the surgical system is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises the end effector which includes a first jaw and a second jaw. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is moved with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. Tissue is configured to be positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw. The processor is configured to detect a first parameter of the surgical system, detect at least one user input, and modify the control program in response to the detected first parameter and the at least one user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Kevin M. Fiebig, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 11723729
    Abstract: An adapter module is configured to be coupled to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system and a surgical instrument. The adapter module has a first interface configured to engage a second interface of the surgical instrument to removably secure the surgical instrument thereto. The adapter module further includes a sensor configured to detect whether the second interface is fully engaged with the first interface, and a control circuit coupled to the sensor. The control circuit is configured to monitor the sensor to determine an engagement status of the surgical instrument, and prevent activation of a component of the robotic surgical system in a disengaged status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Daniel J. Mumaw, Kevin M. Fiebig
  • Patent number: 11682487
    Abstract: A surgical computing system may scan for a sensing system located in an operating room. Upon detecting a sensing system in the operating room, the surgical computing system may establish a link with the sensing system. The surgical computing system may receive user role identification data from the sensing system using the established link. The surgical computing system may identify a user role for a user in the operating room based on the received user role identification data. The user role of a user may be or may include at least one of a surgeon, a nurse, a patient, a hospital staff, or a health care professional. Based on the identified user role, the surgical computing system may generate and send surgical aid information for the user in the operating room. The surgical aid information may include information associated with a surgical operation relevant to the identified user role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert
  • Patent number: 11666331
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, an anvil, a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable into the tissue, wherein the staples are deformable by the anvil, and a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal according to a physiological parameter of the tissue. The surgical instrument further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the sensor signal, and assess proximity of the sensor to cancerous tissue based on the sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20230098870
    Abstract: A method of compressing tissue during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a surgical instrument comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, establishing a communication pathway between the surgical instrument and a surgical hub, and inserting the surgical instrument into a surgical site. The method further comprises compressing tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, determining a location of the compressed tissue with respect to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw, communicating the determined location of the compressed tissue to the surgical hub, and displaying the determined location of the compressed tissue on a visual feedback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Jordan B. Wong, David C. Yates, Tamara S. Widenhous, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11596291
    Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including an end effector, a control circuit, a closure member, and a firing member. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and an electrode. The first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a close position to capture tissue therebetween. The electrode is configured to conduct a sub-therapeutic RF current to the tissue. The control circuit is operably coupled to the electrode. The control circuit is configured to measure impedance of the tissue over time based on the sub-therapeutic RF current. The closure member is configured to move the first jaw towards the second jaw at a closure rate based on the impedance of the tissue. The firing member is configured to move within the end effectors towards a fired position at a firing rate based on the impedance of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Jordan B. Wong, David C. Yates, Tamara Widenhouse, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20220361872
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body with a deck, a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, and staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly includes staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein the staples are deployable from the staple cavities into tissue of a patient, and wherein the staples comprise substrates comprised of metal that degrades when exposed to a degradation source in the patient. The staple cartridge assembly includes an implantable adjunct, wherein the staples are configured to hold the implantable adjunct to the tissue, and wherein the implantable adjunct is configured to delay an initiation of the degradation of regions of the metal in contact with the implantable adjunct in the patient, and wherein the implantable adjunct is configured to modify a local environment surrounding the staples to control a degradation rate of the staples after the initial delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20220361874
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising staples that are lubricated before they are loaded into the staple cartridge and after they have been loaded into the staple cartridge is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason M. Rector, Shannon L. Jones, Ryan W. McGhee, Chad E. Eckert