Patents by Inventor Christopher Switalski

Christopher Switalski 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: 11918216
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 11571208
    Abstract: A surgical buttress loading assembly includes a surgical buttress applicator, an anvil buttress, and a cartridge buttress. The surgical buttress applicator includes an anvil buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein, and a cartridge buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein. The anvil buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit. The cartridge buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Switalski, Anthony L. Ceniccola, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Publication number: 20220211374
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen, Christopher Switalski
  • Publication number: 20220168007
    Abstract: In some examples, a tool for, e.g., creating a sub-sternal tunnel in a patient or other use, is described. The tool may include a handle and a tunneling shaft coupled to the handle. The tunneling shaft extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and at least a portion of the tunneling shaft extends in a curved orientation between the first end to the distal end. The distal end of the tunneling shaft includes a cutting tool having a sharp edge. The cutting tool is moveable from a recessed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool is recessed into the distal end of the tunneling shaft to a deployed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool extends beyond the distal end of the tunneling shaft in the deployed position, e.g., to cut pericardium, scar tissue, and/or connective tissue with the sharp edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Kyle R. Marquard, Krishnakumar Somasundaram, Stanislaw Z. Marczyk, Linnea R. Lentz, Olesea Diaz-Chiosa, Christopher Switalski
  • Publication number: 20220133324
    Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical tack applier includes an actuation assembly and an articulation lever assembly configured to articulate an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier. The actuation assembly includes a motor, an actuation rod, and an actuation switch configured to actuate the motor. The actuation rod has a first end operatively coupled to an output shaft of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith, and a second end operatively coupled to a loading unit of the surgical tack applier such that rotation of the actuation rod ejects a surgical tack from the loading unit. The articulation lever assembly includes an articulation rod operatively coupled with an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier such that axial displacement of the articulation rod causes articulation of the articulation portion, and an articulation lever operatively coupled with the articulation rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Russell Pribanic, Christopher Switalski, David A. Zeichner, David A. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11278286
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 11234701
    Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical tack applier includes an actuation assembly and an articulation lever assembly configured to articulate an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier. The actuation assembly includes a motor, an actuation rod, and an actuation switch configured to actuate the motor. The actuation rod has a first end operatively coupled to an output shaft of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith, and a second end operatively coupled to a loading unit of the surgical tack applier such that rotation of the actuation rod ejects a surgical tack from the loading unit. The articulation lever assembly includes an articulation rod operatively coupled with an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier such that axial displacement of the articulation rod causes articulation of the articulation portion, and an articulation lever operatively coupled with the articulation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Russell Pribanic, Christopher Switalski, David A. Zeichner, David A. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11197687
    Abstract: In some examples, a tool for, e.g., creating a sub-sternal tunnel in a patient or other use, is described. The tool may include a handle and a tunneling shaft coupled to the handle. The tunneling shaft extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and at least a portion of the tunneling shaft extends in a curved orientation between the first end to the distal end. The distal end of the tunneling shaft includes a cutting tool having a sharp edge. The cutting tool is moveable from a recessed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool is recessed into the distal end of the tunneling shaft to a deployed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool extends beyond the distal end of the tunneling shaft in the deployed position, e.g., to cut pericardium, scar tissue, and/or connective tissue with the sharp edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Kyle R. Marquard, Krishnakumar Somasundaram, Stanislaw Z. Marczyk, Linnea R. Lentz, Olesea Diaz-Chiosa, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 11096683
    Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes an actuation shaft, a tool assembly, and a drive assembly. The tool assembly includes a suture needle and a pair of jaws transitionable between open and closed positions. Each jaw includes a needle engaging blade slidably supported thereon. Each needle engaging blade is transitionable between an extended position in which the needle engaging blade engages the suture needle and a retracted position in which the needle engaging blade is disengaged from the suture needle. The drive assembly includes first, second, and third electrical actuators. The first actuator is operatively coupled with the actuation shaft to cause axial displacement of the actuation shaft. The axial displacement of the actuation shaft causes opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The second and third actuators are operatively coupled with the needle engaging blades to provide axial displacement of the needle engaging blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Anthony Calderoni, Christopher Switalski
  • Publication number: 20210106329
    Abstract: A surgical buttress loading assembly includes a surgical buttress applicator, an anvil buttress, and a cartridge buttress. The surgical buttress applicator includes an anvil buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein, and a cartridge buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein. The anvil buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit. The cartridge buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Switalski, Anthony L. Ceniccola, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Publication number: 20200345483
    Abstract: Support devices and associated systems and methods for releasably retaining a delivery system handle while delivering a medical device to a target within a human are described herein. The support device is configured to engage the delivery system handle and enable a user to maneuver a distal end portion of the delivery system by manipulating features of the support device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Estella Wong, Joshua Dwork, Kevin Mauch, Christopher Switalski, David Grossman, Mike Simpson
  • Publication number: 20200305867
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongate tubular body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector extending distally from the elongate tubular body. The end effector includes a staple cartridge assembly having a tissue facing surface defining retention slots and a central longitudinal slot. The retention slots are disposed in rows along the tissue facing surface, and each of the retention slots has an arcuate shape including a concave surface and a convex surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Switalski, Anthony Gaddy
  • Publication number: 20200093492
    Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical tack applier includes an actuation assembly and an articulation lever assembly configured to articulate an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier. The actuation assembly includes a motor, an actuation rod, and an actuation switch configured to actuate the motor. The actuation rod has a first end operatively coupled to an output shaft of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith, and a second end operatively coupled to a loading unit of the surgical tack applier such that rotation of the actuation rod ejects a surgical tack from the loading unit. The articulation lever assembly includes an articulation rod operatively coupled with an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier such that axial displacement of the articulation rod causes articulation of the articulation portion, and an articulation lever operatively coupled with the articulation rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Russell Pribanic, Christopher Switalski, David A. Zeichner, David A. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20200038021
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen, Christopher Switalski
  • Publication number: 20200038048
    Abstract: In some examples, a tool for, e.g., creating a sub-sternal tunnel in a patient or other use, is described. The tool may include a handle and a tunneling shaft coupled to the handle. The tunneling shaft extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and at least a portion of the tunneling shaft extends in a curved orientation between the first end to the distal end. The distal end of the tunneling shaft includes a cutting tool having a sharp edge. The cutting tool is moveable from a recessed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool is recessed into the distal end of the tunneling shaft to a deployed position in which the sharp edge of the cutting tool extends beyond the distal end of the tunneling shaft in the deployed position, e.g., to cut pericardium, scar tissue, and/or connective tissue with the sharp edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Kyle R. Marquard, Krishnakumar Somasundaram, Stanislaw Z. Marczyk, Linnea R. Lentz, Olesea Diaz-Chiosa, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 10500015
    Abstract: A surgical robotic arm support system may include a base and at least one post and/or a connection for coupling a robot arm to the support system. The base may be configured to at least partially surround a surgical table. The at least one post may have a first end supported on the base and a second end configured to support a robotic arm. The at least one post may be configured to be coupled to a surgical table. The connection may support a mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the support system and a coupled robot arm. Electrical connectivity may be configured to identify at least one of the robot arm connections to which at least one robot arm is connected. Each robot arm connection may be configured to maintain a portion of a connected robot arm at a predetermined position from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Eric Taylor, Josh Snow, Peter Hathaway, Michael Stow, Russell Pribanic, Andrew Miesse, Christopher Switalski, Michael Zemlok, Jason Iceman
  • Patent number: 10426466
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 10376338
    Abstract: A surgical robotic arm support system may include a base and at least one post and/or a connection for coupling a robot arm to the support system. The base may be configured to at least partially surround a surgical table. The at least one post may have a first end supported on the base and a second end configured to support a robotic arm. The at least one post may be configured to be coupled to a surgical table. The connection may support a mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the support system and a coupled robot arm. Electrical connectivity may be configured to identify at least one of the robot arm connections to which at least one robot arm is connected. Each robot arm connection may be configured to maintain a portion of a connected robot arm at a predetermined position from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Eric Taylor, Josh Snow, Peter Hathaway, Michael Stow, Russell Pribanic, Andrew Miesse, Christopher Switalski, Michael Zemlok, Jason Iceman
  • Publication number: 20190223862
    Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes an actuation shaft, a tool assembly, and a drive assembly. The tool assembly includes a suture needle and a pair of jaws transitionable between open and closed positions. Each jaw includes a needle engaging blade slidably supported thereon. Each needle engaging blade is transitionable between an extended position in which the needle engaging blade engages the suture needle and a retracted position in which the needle engaging blade is disengaged from the suture needle. The drive assembly includes first, second, and third electrical actuators. The first actuator is operatively coupled with the actuation shaft to cause axial displacement of the actuation shaft. The axial displacement of the actuation shaft causes opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The second and third actuators are operatively coupled with the needle engaging blades to provide axial displacement of the needle engaging blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Anthony Calderoni, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 10278720
    Abstract: A combination surgical device is provided and includes a dissection blade moveably mounted in a first jaw of the surgical device. The surgical device includes a second jaw movably mounted relative to the first jaw and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the blade out of the first jaw and a lever to open and close the first and second jaws. A lock member is provided to maintain the blade in an extended condition and a release lever is provided to disable the lock member. The surgical device additionally includes a safety or lock out mechanism which prevents the jaws from moving while the blade is in the extended condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Christopher Switalski, Russell Pribanic