Patents by Inventor Erin E. Wehrly

Erin E. Wehrly 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: 12501125
    Abstract: A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Patent number: 12440264
    Abstract: Tools, systems, and methods described herein provide multiple treatments with a reduced number of tools. A single tool as described herein can be used to provide both clamping and sealing treatment modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Segit, Steven Ek, James E. Dunning, Brian Lane, Erin E. Wehrly
  • Patent number: 12426941
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly and a sensor. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting surfaces thereof. The electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces of the first and second jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. The sensor is configured to sense at least one property of smoke produced as a result of the conduction of energy through tissue grasped between the electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20250143777
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable about a pivot relative to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue between first and second opposed surfaces of the first and second jaw members, respectively. The electrosurgical instrument further includes an interface configured to provide a feedback related to a size of tissue grasped by the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a touch sensor configured to sense a touch span where the tissue touches the at least one of the first or second opposed surfaces. The end effector assembly further includes an angle sensor configured to sense an angle ? about the pivot between the first and second opposed surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao, Erin E. Wehrly
  • Patent number: 12156691
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable about a pivot relative to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue between first and second opposed surfaces of the first and second jaw members, respectively. The electrosurgical instrument further includes an interface configured to provide a feedback related to a size of tissue grasped by the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a touch sensor configured to sense a touch span where the tissue touches the at least one of the first or second opposed surfaces. The end effector assembly further includes an angle sensor configured to sense an angle ? about the pivot between the first and second opposed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao, Erin E. Wehrly
  • Publication number: 20240164830
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly, a display, and a controller. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining a tissue-treating surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a sensor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, generate a tissue indication based upon the sensor data, and output the tissue indication to the display. The display is configured to display the tissue indication. The tissue indication indicates a location along the first jaw member at which tissue is grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Jing Zhao
  • Patent number: 11903635
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly, a display, and a controller. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining a tissue-treating surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a sensor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, generate a tissue indication based upon the sensor data, and output the tissue indication to the display. The display is configured to display the tissue indication. The tissue indication indicates a location along the first jaw member at which tissue is grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. Mchenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Jing Zhao
  • Patent number: 11832916
    Abstract: A method includes providing a graphical representation of a surgical site, grasping the tissue of the patient with first and second jaw members of an end effector including a location sensor, illuminating optical light into the grasped tissue at the first jaw member, receiving the optical light that has passed through the grasped tissue, at the second jaw member, processing the received light to identify a vessel, which is encompassed within the grasped tissue, receiving location information of the end effector from the location sensor, synchronizing a location of the identified vessel within the graphical representation based on the location information, and displaying the identified vessel at the synchronized location in the graphical representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao, Tracy J. Pheneger
  • Publication number: 20230328344
    Abstract: A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Patent number: 11711596
    Abstract: A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20230139073
    Abstract: A multifunction surgical instrument having a low-profile configuration to deliver both small vessel sealing through a bipolar clamping mechanism and transcollation sealing of diffused bleeding in a broad tissue plane, the multifunction surgical instrument including a first jaw and a second jaw configured to transition between an open position and a closed position to serve as a clamp for sealing of tissue, and a disposable electrode portion comprising a first conductive surface positioned in proximity to the first jaw and a second conductive surface positioned in proximity to the second jaw, the first and second conductive surfaces configured to emit a high-frequency alternating current, and two or more electrodes and at least one saline port, wherein the two or more electrodes in the at least one saline port cooperate to affect transcollation sealing of diffused bleeding within a broad tissue plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: James E. Dunning, Brian Lane, Erin E. Wehrly, Prakash Manley
  • Publication number: 20220395314
    Abstract: Tools, systems, and methods described herein provide multiple treatments with a reduced number of tools. A single tool as described herein can be used to provide both clamping and sealing treatment modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander J. SEGIT, Steven Ek, James E. Dunning, Erin E. Wehrly
  • Publication number: 20210330375
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable about a pivot relative to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue between first and second opposed surfaces of the first and second jaw members, respectively. The electrosurgical instrument further includes an interface configured to provide a feedback related to a size of tissue grasped by the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a touch sensor configured to sense a touch span where the tissue touches the at least one of the first or second opposed surfaces. The end effector assembly further includes an angle sensor configured to sense an angle ? about the pivot between the first and second opposed surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao, Erin E. Wehrly
  • Publication number: 20210295990
    Abstract: A method of surgery includes inserting a surgical instrument into a surgical site, supplying energy from a surgical generator to tissue at the surgical site via the surgical instrument to treat the tissue, sensing at least one property of smoke at the surgical site, and determining at least one parameter of smoke at the surgical site based upon the at least one property. The method further includes controlling the supply of energy from the surgical generator based upon the at least one parameter and/or providing an output based upon the at least one parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210290292
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument configured for insertion into a surgical site, a sensor configured to sense at least one property of smoke at the surgical site, and a surgical generator including a controller and an energy output. The energy output is configured to supply energy to the surgical instrument for application to tissue at the surgical site to treat the tissue. The controller is configured to receive the at least one property, determine at least one parameter of smoke at the surgical site based upon the at least one property, and control the energy output based upon the at least one parameter and/or provide an output based upon the at least one parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210290297
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly and a sensor. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting surfaces thereof. The electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces of the first and second jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. The sensor is configured to sense at least one property of smoke produced as a result of the conduction of energy through tissue grasped between the electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210267663
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly and an electrosurgical generator. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members, one or both of which is movable relative to the other for grasping tissue between tissue-contacting surfaces thereof. One or both of the jaw members includes a sensor configured to sense at least one property associated with the grasped tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes a controller and an energy output configured to supply electrosurgical energy to the tissue-contacting surface of one or both of the jaw members for conduction through the grasped tissue to seal the grasped tissue. The controller is configured to receive the at least one sensed property, determine at least one condition of collagen within the grasped tissue based upon the at least one sensed property, and control the energy output based upon the determined at least one condition of the collagen within the grasped tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. McHenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, Tracy J. Pheneger, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210267664
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly, a display, and a controller. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining a tissue-treating surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a sensor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, generate a tissue indication based upon the sensor data, and output the tissue indication to the display. The display is configured to display the tissue indication. The tissue indication indicates a location along the first jaw member at which tissue is grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Jennifer R. Mchenry, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Jing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210228087
    Abstract: A method includes providing a graphical representation of a surgical site, grasping the tissue of the patient with first and second jaw members of an end effector including a location sensor, illuminating optical light into the grasped tissue at the first jaw member, receiving the optical light that has passed through the grasped tissue, at the second jaw member, processing the received light to identify a vessel, which is encompassed within the grasped tissue, receiving location information of the end effector from the location sensor, synchronizing a location of the identified vessel within the graphical representation based on the location information, and displaying the identified vessel at the synchronized location in the graphical representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao, Tracy J. Pheneger
  • Publication number: 20210234993
    Abstract: A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Amanda H. Lennartz, Daniel A. Joseph, Cornelia F. Twomey, Erin E. Wehrly, Pierre Gherardi, Tracy J. Pheneger, David M. Garrison, Tyler J. Bagrosky, Robert H. Wham, Jing Zhao