Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Hess

Christopher J. Hess 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).

  • METHOD OF SUTURING A TROCAR PATH INCISION
    Publication number: 20190000496
    Abstract: A method of suturing a trocar path incision in a tissue of a patient with an obturator includes inserting the obturator through the tissue such that a shaft of the obturator extends through a tissue opening about the trocar path incision and a distal tip of the obturator is positioned within a cavity of the patient. The method also includes directing the suture via a suturing feature with the obturator inserted through the tissue in order to direct the suture relative to the tissue. Furthermore, the method includes closing the tissue opening about the trocar path incision with the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Layne D. Christopher, Rebecca J. Gettinger, Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, Zhifan F. Huang, John V. Hunt, Michael Jacobs, Anil R. Jadhav, John A. Jast, Nicole Y. Kwee, Kevin A. Larson, James G. Lee, David T. Martin, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael A. Murray, Shailendra K. Parihar, Sol Posada, Devanathan Raghavan, Brian D. Schings, Patrick M. Schleitweiler, Nicholas Seipelt, Melinda Tellmann, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse
  • METHOD FOR FORMING A STAPLE
    Publication number: 20190000452
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • NEEDLE GUIDE INSTRUMENT WITH TRANSVERSE SUTURE CAPTURE FEATURE
    Publication number: 20190000443
    Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a cannula assembly, an obturator assembly, and a catch arm. The cannula assembly has a housing, a cannula, and a working channel defining a longitudinal axis from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The obturator assembly includes a proximal head, a distal tip, and a shaft extending therebetween. The catch arm is selectively moveable from a retracted position to a first and second deployed positions and is configured to releasably capture a suture thread. In the retracted position, the catch arm is positioned radially inward from the first deployed position. In the first deployed position, the catch arm is positioned radially outward from the retracted position. In addition, the catch arm is configured to be moved a predetermined distance from the first deployed position to the second deployed position and release the captured suture thread therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: John A. Jast, Kevin A. Larson, John V. Hunt, Michael A. Jacobs, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Christopher J. Hess
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING DISPLAYING MOTOR VELOCITY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20180360444
    Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, and a position sensor coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine a velocity of the displacement member via the position sensor, and cause the display to present an indicia that is indicative of the velocity of the displacement member, wherein a portion of the display occupied by the indicia corresponds to the velocity of the displacement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Sarah A. Worthington, Michael J. Vendely, Chester O. Baxter, III, Christopher J. Hess, Douglas E. Withers
  • Suturing instrument with elastomeric cleat
    Patent number: 10149678
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that has a cartridge receiving assembly, a shaft assembly, and a needle driving cartridge. The cartridge receiving assembly in connected to the shaft assembly. The needle driving cartridge is capable of being inserted into the cartridge receiving assembly. The needle driving cartridge is capable of driving a needle along an orbital path in a single angular direction. The needle driving cartridge includes a body, a curved needle, a needle drive assembly, and a needle guide assembly capable of guiding a needle along the orbital path. The needle guide assembly includes a cleat. The cleat has two needle engagement features. The two needle engagement features are configured to simultaneously engage two separate regions of the outer surface of the needle at the same portion of the length of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David T. Martin, Christopher J. Hess, William J. White, Aaron J. Brickner, Daniel J. Prenger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Adam Hensel
  • Method for forming a staple
    Patent number: 10130359
    Abstract: A method of forming a surgical staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket and positioning the second staple leg within a second cup of the staple pocket, contacting the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward a first side of the base wherein the first staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a first compressive force is applied to the first staple leg, and contacting the second staple leg to bend the second staple leg toward a second side of the base wherein the second staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a second compressive force is applied to the second staple leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • ANVIL ASSEMBLIES WITH COLLAPSIBLE FRAMES FOR CIRCULAR STAPLERS
    Publication number: 20180325508
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • System for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure
    Patent number: 10098527
    Abstract: A surgical system for performing a surgical procedure includes an ex-vivo positioning mechanism and an in-vivo instrument magnetically attracted to the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. The in-vivo instrument can be positioned within a patient by moving the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. In addition, the surgical system includes a percutaneous member introducible into the patient independent from the ex-vivo positioning mechanism, the percutaneous member comprising a connector at a distal end thereof, wherein the connector is selectively couplable to the in-vivo instrument within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ethidcon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Ragae M. Ghabrial
  • Surgical Access Device
    Publication number: 20180280055
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A RELEASABLE BUTTRESS MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20180280020
    Abstract: A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Carl J. Shurtleff
  • Barbed suture dispenser
    Patent number: 10070858
    Abstract: A packaging for a surgical needle comprises a cartridge. The cartridge comprises a surgical needle and a needle driver configured to engage and move the needle relative to the cartridge. The packaging further comprises a spool comprising a helical channel and a length of suture connected to the needle. At least a portion of the length of suture is wound around the spool. At least a portion of the length of suture is positioned within the helical channel. The suture may include a plurality of barbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Daniel J. Mumaw, Christopher J. Hess, Andrew C. Deck
  • ADJUNCT RELEASE FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS
    Publication number: 20180235614
    Abstract: Various adjunct releasing mechanisms are provided herein that can be incorporated into surgical devices, such as an end effector of a surgical stapler. For example, an adjunct releasing mechanism can act to release an adjunct attached to an end effector of a surgical stapler upon deployment of staples retained within the end effector. The adjunct can be retained on the end effector through a variety of means, such as through use of adhesive or by having a portion of the adjunct partially received within cavities formed on a tissue-facing surface of the end effector. The releasing mechanisms can extend into the cavities formed on the tissue-facing surface of the end effector to cause the adjunct to detach from the end effector upon deployment of staples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely
  • Circular surgical staplers with foldable anvil assemblies
    Patent number: 10045769
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Surgical access device
    Patent number: 10016215
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • Adaptable surgical instrument handle
    Patent number: 9993258
    Abstract: A handle for use with a surgical instrument system can comprise a first handle housing portion comprising an output and a second handle housing portion comprising, one, an electric motor comprising a rotatable motor shaft and, two, an actuator for operating the electric motor. The handle further comprises an articulation joint, wherein the second handle housing portion is rotatably connected to the first handle housing portion about the articulation joint, and wherein the second handle housing portion is rotatable between a first grip position and a second grip position. The handle further includes a transmission configured to transmit motion between the first motor shaft and the output. In various instances, the transmission comprises a cable and a slip joint configured to adjust the length of the cable depending on the position of said second handle housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Andrew T. Beckman, Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Anvil assemblies with collapsible frames for circular staplers
    Patent number: 9980713
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Methods and devices for remotely controlling movement of surgical tools
    Patent number: 9956051
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a distal end of a surgical instrument. In general, the methods and devices can allow for controlling movement of surgical tools, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an external control unit and a surgical tool positioned within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly including an input tool and a slave assembly including a surgical instrument. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be configured to be electronically coupled together such that movement of the master assembly can be electronically communicated to the slave assembly to cause mimicked movement of the slave assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, David N. Plescia, David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia, Andrew Yoo, James T. Spivey, Christopher J. Hess
  • METHOD FOR FORMING A STAPLE
    Publication number: 20180049740
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Suturing instrument with robotic drive interface
    Patent number: 9883858
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes cartridge receiving assembly, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The cartridge receiving assembly is operable to receive a needle driving cartridge. The shaft assembly includes a first actuation member that is operable to actuate the cartridge receiving assembly to thereby drive a needle from a needle driving cartridge received in the cartridge receiving assembly. The interface assembly includes a base and a plurality of drive shafts extending upwardly from the base. The drive shafts extend along respective axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The drive shafts are rotatable independently relative to each other. A first drive shaft of the plurality of drive shafts is operable to drive the first actuation member. The interface assembly is configured to couple with a robotic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Martin, Christopher J. Hess, William J. White, Daniel J. Mumaw, Andrew C. Deck, Daniel L. Geiger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Laparoscopic Instrument with Attachable End Effector
    Publication number: 20180028210
    Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, IV, James T. Spivey, Christopher J. Hess, Kevin M. Huey