Patents by Inventor Frank J. Viola

Frank J. Viola 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).

  • Magnetically secured surgical station with force modulation
    Patent number: 9173714
    Abstract: An anchoring device for use within a body cavity during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The anchoring device includes an external assembly, an internal assembly, a controller, and a module. The external assembly has a first magnetic component. The internal assembly has a second magnetic component. The internal assembly is sized to be placed inside of the body cavity. The electrical current is connected with one of the first and the second magnetic component to produce a magnetic field about the connected magnetic component to approximate the internal and external assemblies. The module determines a parameter and is in communication with a controller. The controller controls the electrical current in response to the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly
    Patent number: 9113872
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus for enhancing one or more properties of body tissue that is or is to be repaired or joined. The apparatus includes a staple anvil, a staple cartridge, a driving member for driving the surgical staples from individual staple slots in the staple cartridge and against the staple anvil, and a wound closure material applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes at least one conduit extending along at least a length of the driving member, anvil and/or cartridge and at least one reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one conduit, the reservoir containing a wound closure material therein. The staples can be coated with a wound closure material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS INCLUDING SENSING MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20150209041
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
  • Surgical stapling apparatus including sensing mechanism
    Patent number: 9027817
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
  • Compression anastomosis device and method
    Patent number: 9023068
    Abstract: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Surgical Stapling Apparatus Including Sensing Mechanism
    Publication number: 20150090766
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
  • Surgical stapler having an articulation mechanism
    Patent number: 8950646
    Abstract: An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Surgical Stapler
    Publication number: 20150034697
    Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Thomas W. Alesi, Robert J. Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Surgical stapling apparatus including a drive beam
    Patent number: 8939343
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
  • Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staples sizes
    Patent number: 8925786
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes
    Patent number: 8925785
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E Holsten, Frank J Viola, Clifford L Emmons, John W Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING A CARTRIDGE HAVING MULTIPLE STAPLES SIZES
    Publication number: 20150001275
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • SURGICAL FASTENER WITH PREDETERMINED RESORPTION RATE
    Publication number: 20140371765
    Abstract: A resorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The resorbable screw fastener is 100% resorbed in vivo during a period of time ranging from about 14 days to about one year after implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ralph Robert Corradi, David N. Fowler, Christopher J. Criscuolo, Earl Zergiebel, Michael Bettuchi, Frank J. Viola
  • Gear driven knife drive mechanism
    Patent number: 8910846
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion to form a pivot axis, and a flexible drive assembly that includes a flexible drive member extending from a position proximal of the pivot axis to a position distal of the pivot axis. The drive member has a distal end which is movable in relation to the tool assembly and a gear drive assembly to enable movement of the distal end of the flexible drive member. The flexible drive assembly includes a flexible knife drive beam that advances or retracts via a primary drive gear meshing with the flexible knife drive beam to effect movement of the flexible knife drive beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Surgical stapler
    Patent number: 8887979
    Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Thomas W. Alesi, Jr., Robert J. Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Structure containing wound treatment material
    Patent number: 8875970
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staples sizes
    Patent number: 8840004
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Surgical fastener with predetermined resorption rate
    Patent number: 8821557
    Abstract: A resorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The resorbable screw fastener is 100% resorbed in vivo during a period of time ranging from about 14 days to about one year after implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ralph Robert Corradi, David N. Fowler, Christopher J. Criscuolo, Earl Zergiebel, Michael Bettuchi, Frank J. Viola
  • SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING A CARTRIDGE HAVING MULTIPLE STAPLES SIZES
    Publication number: 20140231488
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING ACCESSORY POWERING FEATURE
    Publication number: 20140228637
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical instrument, an accessory, and an energy device. The surgical instrument has a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and a tool assembly operably coupled to the shaft. The accessory is selectively couplable to the surgical instrument. An energy device is operably coupled to the accessory when the accessory is coupled to the surgical instrument such that the energy device powers the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola