Patents by Inventor Christopher Tokarz

Christopher 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).

  • Publication number: 20210228231
    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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Amanda Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20210229887
    Abstract: A foldable card for retaining a plurality of surgical instruments is disclosed. The foldable card includes a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, a third panel hingedly connected to the second panel, a fourth panel hingedly connected to the third panel, a fifth panel hingedly connected to the fourth panel, and a sixth panel hingedly connected to the fifth panel. The first panel defines a first opening configured to allow a portion of a first surgical instrument to pass therethrough, and a second opening configured to allow a portion of a second surgical instrument to pass therethrough. The third panel defines a first opening configured to allow a portion of the first surgical instrument to pass therethrough, and a second opening configured to allow a portion of the second surgical instrument to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Nolan A. Hughes, Alexander Y. Ueno, Douglas M. Pattison, Christopher A. Tokarz, Kevin Desjardin, Oksana Buyda, Amanda M. Adinolfi, Astley C. Lobo
  • Patent number: 10987128
    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: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Christopher Tokarz, Amanda Adinolfi
  • Publication number: 20200289154
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Tokarz
  • Patent number: 10702278
    Abstract: A ligation clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly supporting an advancing mechanism removably and slidably supported within a barrel housing of the handle assembly, and a clip module removably and selectively connected to the handle assembly. The clip module includes a housing defining a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therethrough, the clip module housing including an annular flange extending radially into the lumen thereof; and a jaw blade slidably supported within the lumen of the clip module housing. The jaw blade includes a pair of jaws disposed within the distal end of the clip module housing, the pair of jaws being biased to an open condition, wherein each jaw includes a respective cam tooth projecting therefrom, wherein the cam teeth are in operative registration with, and proximal of, the annular flange of the clip module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tokarz, Norvin Asido
  • Publication number: 20200197043
    Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly includes an elongated cannula member, first and second expandable members mounted to respective proximal and distal portions of the cannula member, and a fluid-transfer assembly. The fluid-transfer assembly includes proximal and distal flanges coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula member. The first expandable member is disposed between the proximal and distal flanges such that movement of one of the proximal or distal flanges along the cannula member adjusts a pressure applied by the proximal and distal flanges on the first expandable member to transfer an inflation medium between the first and second expandable members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Oksana BUYDA, Amanda M. ADINOLFI, Christopher A. TOKARZ
  • Patent number: 10675056
    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: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Christopher Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20190374255
    Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Kevin Golebieski, Christopher A. Tokarz
  • Patent number: 10420587
    Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Kevin Golebieski, Christopher A. Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20190254704
    Abstract: A collar for a surgical access device includes an annular body laterally attachable to a cannula of the surgical access device. A spring is coupled to the annular body and movable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The spring is configured to manipulate the annular body between a first condition and a second condition to selectively fix the annular body at predetermined locations along the cannula or to laterally remove the annular body from the cannula while the cannula is supported within a patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Anthony Sgroi, JR., Christopher Tokarz
  • Patent number: 10327809
    Abstract: A collar for a surgical access device includes an annular body laterally attachable to a cannula of the surgical access device. A spring is coupled to the annular body and movable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The spring is configured to manipulate the annular body between a first condition and a second condition to selectively fix the annular body at predetermined locations along the cannula or to laterally remove the annular body from the cannula while the cannula is supported within a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Christopher Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20190133574
    Abstract: A guide member is configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10258324
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a cannula and a guide member. The cannula is configured for positioning within an opening in tissue. The cannula includes a base and an elongated tubular member extending distally from the base. The elongated tubular member includes an annular wall defining a longitudinal passageway and defines at least one slot extending through the annular wall. The guide member includes a guide housing configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and an elongated guide shaft configured for insertion into the elongated tubular member of the cannula. The guide member defines at least one lumen extending therethrough and is configured such that, upon engagement of the guide member with the cannula, the at least one lumen is aligned with the at least one slot of the cannula to define a guide passageway through the guide member and cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Gregory F. Tebbe, Danny R. Berry
  • Publication number: 20190069925
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20190059937
    Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly includes an elongated cannula member, first and second expandable members mounted to respective proximal and distal portions of the cannula member, and a fluid-transfer assembly. The fluid-transfer assembly includes proximal and distal flanges coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula member. The first expandable member is disposed between the proximal and distal flanges such that movement of one of the proximal or distal flanges along the cannula member adjusts a pressure applied by the proximal and distal flanges on the first expandable member to transfer an inflation medium between the first and second expandable members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Amanda M. Adinolfi, Christopher Tokarz
  • Patent number: 10201346
    Abstract: A guide member configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180271557
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Christopher Tokarz, Amanda Adinolfi
  • Patent number: 9918712
    Abstract: A method of surgery includes positioning a cannula within an opening in tissue and inserting a guide member into the cannula. The cannula includes an elongated portion having a base and an elongated tubular member extending distally from the base. The elongated tubular member includes an annular wall defining a longitudinal passageway. At least one slot extends through the annular wall and is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide member defines at least one lumen extending therethrough. The method further includes releasably engaging the guide housing with the base. Upon engagement of the guide housing with the base, the at least one lumen is aligned with the at least one slot to define a guide passageway through the guide member and cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry
  • Publication number: 20170311982
    Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Kevin Golebieski, Christopher A. Tokarz
  • Publication number: 20170245888
    Abstract: A collar for a surgical access device includes an annular body laterally attachable to a cannula of the surgical access device. A spring is coupled to the annular body and movable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The spring is configured to manipulate the annular body between a first condition and a second condition to selectively fix the annular body at predetermined locations along the cannula or to laterally remove the annular body from the cannula while the cannula is supported within a patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Oksana Buyda, Anthony Sgroi, Christopher Tokarz