Patents by Inventor CHRISTOPHER A. TOKARZ

CHRISTOPHER A. TOKARZ 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: 11864792
    Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly includes an elongate cannula member having a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along the longitudinal axis with adjacent longitudinal ribs defining a longitudinal channel therebetween, a fluid port mounted adjacent the proximal end of the cannula member and configured for coupling to a source of inflation fluids, a conduit positioned within at least one longitudinal channel of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the fluid port, and an expandable balloon mounted adjacent the distal end of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the conduit. The expandable balloon is configured to transition from an initial unexpanded condition to an at least partially expanded condition upon passage and entry of inflation fluids from the fluid port, through the conduit and within an internal volume of the expandable balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Amanda Adinolfi
  • Patent number: 11844549
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula, an instrument housing coupled to the cannula, a port coupled to the instrument housing, and a valve disposed within the port. The cannula includes an elongated shaft defining an access lumen and an inflation lumen therethrough. The port includes an inflation channel and an insufflation channel defined therethrough. The inflation channel is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the cannula and the insufflation channel is in fluid communication with the access lumen of the cannula. The valve is movable within the port between an inflation position in which a passageway defined through the valve is aligned with the inflation channel of the port, and an insufflation position in which the passageway of the valve is aligned with the insufflation channel of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher A Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison, Kevin Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo
  • Patent number: 11786233
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft and a retention anchor movably positionable along the elongated shaft. The retention anchor includes an annular body and a fixation body. The annular body includes a proximally-facing surface, a distally-facing surface, an inner side surface defining an opening therethrough, and an outer side surface. The fixation body includes a disc secured to the distally-facing surface of the annular body and wings extending radially outwardly from the disc beyond the outer side surface of the annular body. The disc defines an opening therethrough and the elongated shaft extends through the openings in the annular body and the fixation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Astley C. Lobo, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20230310026
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body and a fixation mechanism. The cannula body includes a housing, and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis. The fixation mechanism includes a flange, a fixation sleeve, and a proximal sleeve. The flange is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The fixation sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a portion of the elongated portion of the cannula body. The proximal sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a proximal portion of the fixation sleeve. Rotation of the flange causes a radially-expandable portion of the fixation sleeve to move between a first position defining a first gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion, and a second position defining a second, greater, gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Kevin Desjardin, Amanda M. Adinolfi, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Patent number: 11717321
    Abstract: A retention mechanism for a surgical access assembly is provided. The retention mechanism includes a planar base having first and second extensions each with a free end, a first locking member disposed on the free end of the first extension, and a second locking member disposed on the free end of the second extension. The first locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth. The second locking member includes a U-shaped body having a first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth configured engage the first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth when the retention mechanism is in a locked condition. The first set of opposed, inwardly facing teeth and the first set of opposed, outwardly facing teeth are configured to be spaced apart from each other when the retention mechanism is in an unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Christopher A. Tokarz, Oksana Buyda, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20230200848
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula having a variable length. The cannula may include a shaft assembly including an outer shaft, an intermediate shaft disposed within and longitudinal slidable relative to the outer shaft, and an inner shaft disposed within and longitudinal slidable relative to the intermediate shaft. The shaft assembly is movable between an unextended position, a fully extended position, and a semi-extended position between the unextended and fully extended positions. The cannula may include a shaft having annular folds formed therein. The annular folds are axially movable relative to each other such that the shaft is longitudinally movable between an unextended position and a plurality of extended positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin M. Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Garrett P. Ebersole, Christopher A. Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Patent number: 11672563
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body and a fixation mechanism. The cannula body includes a housing, and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis. The fixation mechanism includes a flange, a fixation sleeve, and a proximal sleeve. The flange is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The fixation sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a portion of the elongated portion of the cannula body. The proximal sleeve extends distally from the flange and radially surrounds a proximal portion of the fixation sleeve. Rotation of the flange causes a radially-expandable portion of the fixation sleeve to move between a first position defining a first gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion, and a second position defining a second, greater, gap between the radially-expandable portion and the elongated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Kevin Desjardin, Amanda M. Adinolfi, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Patent number: 11666359
    Abstract: An access apparatus includes an access housing, an access member extending from the access housing, a fluid connector mounted to the access housing and a control valve mounted to the fluid connector. The control valve is positionable relative to the fluid connector between a first position corresponding to a desufflation operative state permitting rapid desufflation of the underlying body cavity, a second position corresponding to an insufflation operative state permitting insufflation fluid flow into the access member and into the underlying body cavity, and a third position corresponding to a closed operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Christopher Tokarz
  • Patent number: 11583315
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula having a variable length. The cannula may include a shaft assembly including an outer shaft, an intermediate shaft disposed within and longitudinal slidable relative to the outer shaft, and an inner shaft disposed within and longitudinal slidable relative to the intermediate shaft. The shaft assembly is movable between an unextended position, a fully extended position, and a semi-extended position between the unextended and fully extended positions. The cannula may include a shaft having annular folds formed therein. The annular folds are axially movable relative to each other such that the shaft is longitudinally movable between an unextended position and a plurality of extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin M. Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Garrett P. Ebersole, Christopher A. Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Patent number: 11576701
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly including an elongated cannula member having proximal and distal end portions, a cannula housing coupled to the proximal end portion of the elongated cannula member, a balloon anchor coupled to the distal end portion of the elongated cannula member, and a collar disposed along the elongated cannula member and in fluid communication with the balloon anchor. The collar includes a first check valve and a manually actuatable pump. The first check valve is configured to control flow of air into the balloon anchor. The manually actuatable pump is coupled to the first check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Kevin Desjardin, Christopher A. Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Publication number: 20230043500
    Abstract: A surgical access device including a cannula body and an anchor is disclosed. The cannula body includes a housing, and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing. The elongated portion defines a longitudinal axis and defines a channel extending therethrough. The anchor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the elongated portion of the cannula body and is longitudinally translatable relative to the elongated portion. The anchor defines an aperture and includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively lock a size of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Douglas M. Pattison, Christopher A. Tokarz
  • Patent number: 11564708
    Abstract: A cannula assembly includes an elongate shaft assembly that is adjustable by a clinician to vary the length of the cannula assembly. In particular, the elongate shaft assembly may be transitioned to provide various lengths of the cannula assembly by selectively positioning a plurality of segments of the elongate shaft assembly. In this manner, a single cannula assembly may be tailored to each patient or a surgical procedure being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Christopher A. Tokarz, Oksana Buyda, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Patent number: 11540859
    Abstract: A surgical access system includes a clip, a cannula, and an obturator. The clip includes a first housing half and a second housing half. The first and second housing halves have first end portions pivotably coupled together and second end portions having respective first and second fastener portions. The clip is movable between an open position in which the second end portions are spaced apart from each other and a closed position in which the first and second fastener portions of the second end portions are engaged with each other. The cannula and the obturator are retained between the first and second housing halves when the clip is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Christopher A. Tokarz, Oksana Buyda, Douglas M. Pattison, Alexander Y. Ueno, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20220347454
    Abstract: A surgical access device has a housing and a tubular member extending from the housing. A collar includes proximal and distal walls along with first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls have a circular configuration and join the proximal and distal walls. The collar is repositionable along a length of the tubular member. A cavity is defined between the proximal and distal walls and the first and second sidewalls. The cavity is configured to store a quantity of a fluid therein. Pores extend through the distal wall and each pore is configured to allow a predetermined quantity of the fluid to flow therethrough. A port is disposed through the proximal wall and is in fluid communication with the cavity. The port is configured to allow the fluid to be introduced into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Astley C. Lobo, Kevin M. Desjardin, Christopher A. Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison
  • Publication number: 20220346832
    Abstract: A method of forming a balloon for a surgical access device includes positioning a molding material into a channel defined in a first mold half of a mold and mounting a second mold half onto the first mold half to cover the channel and form a cavity within the mold. The first and second mold halves each includes vent holes extending therethrough that are in fluid communication with the cavity. The method also includes expanding the molding material to conform to the shape of the cavity to form a balloon including protrusions extending radially outwardly therefrom. The protrusions are formed by engagement of the molding material with the vent holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Mickus, Kevin M. Desjardin, Christopher A. Tokarz, Astley C. Lobo
  • Patent number: 11484337
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body and an anchor. The cannula body includes a housing, and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing. The elongated portion defines a longitudinal axis and defines a channel extending therethrough. The anchor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the elongated portion of the cannula body and is longitudinally translatable relative to the elongated portion. The anchor defines an aperture and includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively lock a size of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Douglas M. Pattison, Christopher Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20220330977
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion including an anchor inflation port and a distal end portion including an expandable anchor. The elongated shaft includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. The inner tube includes at least one groove defined in an outer surface thereof that forms an inflation channel with an inner surface of the outer tube. The inflation channel is in communication with the anchor inflation port and the expandable anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Jason Mickus, Astley C. Lobo, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Patent number: 11432846
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion including an anchor inflation port and a distal end portion including an expandable anchor. The elongated shaft includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. The inner tube includes a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and first and second openings defined in an outer surface thereof that are in communication with the channel. The channel, the first openings, and the second openings form an inflation lumen with an inner surface of the outer tube. The inflation lumen is in communication with the anchor inflation port and the expandable anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tokarz, Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Jason Mickus, Oksana Buyda, Astley C. Lobo, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20220218391
    Abstract: A cannula assembly is utilized during a minimally invasive surgery to provide sealed access of a surgical instrument to an insufflated body cavity. The cannula assembly includes a cannula sleeve and a suction cup that is adjustably positionable on the cannula sleeve. The suction cup is formed of a compressible material such that when the suction cup is compressed or pressed against tissue by a clinician, the suction cup creates suction and engages tissue in a sealing relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tokarz, Douglas M. Pattison, Kevin M. Desjardin, Astley C. Lobo, Satish Gundala
  • Patent number: 11376037
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion including an anchor inflation port and a distal end portion including an expandable anchor. The elongated shaft includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. The inner tube includes at least one groove defined in an outer surface thereof that forms an inflation channel with an inner surface of the outer tube. The inflation channel is in communication with the anchor inflation port and the expandable anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Jason Mickus, Astley C. Lobo, Amanda M. Adinolfi