Patents by Inventor Frank Viola

Frank 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).

  • Patent number: 8342380
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil section and a cartridge section, where the cartridge section and the anvil section are movable from an unclamped position to a clamped position. The cartridge section has a plurality of retention slots, a plurality of first surgical fasteners and a plurality of second surgical fasteners. The plurality of first surgical fasteners has a first backspan with a first configuration and the plurality of second surgical fasteners has a second backspan with a second different configuration. In addition, when the first configuration applies a first compressive force to tissue and the second configuration applies a second different compressive force to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8337515
    Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a handle assembly and an end effector operatively connected to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and an actuation cable operatively connected to the trigger and extending from the housing in such a manner that an actuation of the trigger imparts axial translation and rotation to the actuation cable. The end effector includes a tool assembly configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of operations. The actuation cable is operatively connected to the tool assembly in such a manner that the actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of operations of the end effector upon the axial translation thereof and/or effecting a second operation of the pair of operations of the end effector upon the rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Eric J. Taylor, Peter Hathaway, Kenneth W. Horton
  • Publication number: 20120289811
    Abstract: A method of tracking the location of a hernia defect is disclosed, the method including providing a display device, a camera adapted to transmit an image to the display device, a marking surface disposed on the display device and a marker adapted to alter the marking surface when applied to the marking surface. The method includes receiving an image of a hernia defect from the camera and displaying the received image on the display device and marking the shape and position of the hernia defect on the marking surface by applying the marker to the marking surface. Alternatively the display device may be marked by executing by the processor a computer program to mark the shape and position of the hernia defect on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Emily Davis
  • Publication number: 20120289782
    Abstract: A surgical camera assembly includes a base and first and second spaced-apart legs extending distally from the base. The legs are configured for positioning within an internal surgical site and are disposed in parallel orientation relative to one another. The legs are slidable relative to one other and to the base. A first camera is disposed within the first leg and is configured to produce a video image of the area extending distally and radially outwardly from the distal end of the first leg. A second camera is disposed within the second leg and is configured to produce a video image of the area extending distally and radially outwardly from the distal end of the second leg. The video images produced by the first and second cameras are used in conjunction with one another to provide a three-dimensional video image of the internal surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120273548
    Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for in vivo monitoring of preselected physiological parameters associated with acute and/or chronic tissue compromise or failure in one or multiple tissue/organ sites in real time. In one method, a body portion of a surgical stapling device is positioned adjacent a first tissue section, an anvil assembly adapted to engage the body portion is positioned adjacent a second tissue section, and a monitoring device is positioned adjacent the first and/or second tissue sections. The monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to measure a preselected physiological parameter and a transmitter for transmitting signal to an extracorporeal receiving unit. The surgical stapling device is fired to mechanically secure the first and second tissue sections with at least one staple and the preselected physiological parameter is monitored via the information transmitted from the monitoring device to the receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Yong Ma, Nelson Scarborough, Marisha Godek, Rohan Shah, James Power, Nilay Mukherjee, Frank Viola, Edward Mckenna, Shannon Campbell
  • Patent number: 8292905
    Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including an end effector configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of functions; and a single actuation cable operatively connected to the end effector, wherein the actuation cable is capable of effecting operation of at least the pair of functions. The actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of functions upon an axial translation thereof, and a second operation of the pair of functions upon a rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Eric J. Taylor, Peter Hathaway, Frank Viola, Kenneth W. Horton
  • Publication number: 20120247268
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism including a motor having a first motor output gear and a second motor output gear is provided, the motor defining a common axis of rotation for the first and second motor output gears. The actuation mechanism also includes a pair of gearboxes positioned on opposed ends of the motor. The actuation mechanism further includes a first arm adapted to mechanically cooperate with the first gearbox and a second arm adapted to mechanically cooperate with the second gearbox. The rotor of the motor slides along the common axis of rotation. The rotor is configured to be axially movable between a first position where the rotor engages the first gearbox to rotatably actuate the first arm and a second position where the rotor engages the second gearbox to rotatably actuate the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120241188
    Abstract: A wire guide system is provided for use during a endoscopic surgical procedures. The wire guide system includes a cylindrical shaft having a hollow chamber along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shaft, a flange fit disposed around the cylindrical shaft and a seal disposed around the cylindrical shaft and abutting the flange. The system may also include an anchor affixed to the cylindrical shaft and having an aperture from which at least one of a sensor, a light, a camera, tissue and/or organs may be suspended therefrom and at least one cable extending from one end of the cylindrical shaft to another end of the cylindrical shaft through the hollow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Power, Frank Viola, Russell Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20120245416
    Abstract: A surgical camera assembly includes an elongated tubular member and a surgical camera. The elongated tubular member includes a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to permit passage of a surgical instrument. The surgical camera is rotatably coupled to the elongated tubular member towards the distal end thereof and is rotatable relative thereto between a closed position and an open position. The surgical camera is rotated from the closed position to the open position upon passage of the surgical instrument through the lumen of the elongated tubular member and includes a proximal surface configured to facilitate translation of the surgical camera from the closed position to the open position upon contact of the surgical instrument with the proximal surface of the surgical camera within the lumen of the elongated tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120228359
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil section and a cartridge section, where the cartridge section and the anvil section are movable from an unclamped position to a clamped position. The cartridge section has a plurality of retention slots, a plurality of first surgical fasteners and a plurality of second surgical fasteners. The plurality of first surgical fasteners has a first backspan with a first configuration and the plurality of second surgical fasteners has a second backspan with a second different configuration. In addition, when the first configuration applies a first compressive force to tissue and the second configuration applies a second different compressive force to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8246637
    Abstract: A handle assembly for operating a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and at least one actuation cable operatively associated with the trigger and extending from the housing in such a manner that an actuation of the trigger imparts both an axial translation of the actuation cable and a rotation to the actuation cable. Each of the axial translation and rotation of the actuation cable performs a separate function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Eric J. Taylor, Peter Hathaway, Kenneth W. Horton
  • Patent number: 8186556
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil section and a cartridge section, where the cartridge section and the anvil section are movable from an unclamped position to a clamped position to clamp tissue therebetween. The cartridge section has a plurality of retention slots. A plurality of first surgical fasteners and a plurality of second surgical fasteners are disposed within a corresponding retention slot. The plurality of first surgical fasteners has a first backspan with a first configuration and the plurality of second surgical fasteners has a second backspan with a second configuration. The first configuration is different from the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120116173
    Abstract: A suspension system for supporting surgical devices inside a patient's body cavity comprising an external frame, a plurality of elongated members extending from the external frame and through the patient's skin into the body cavity, and an internal platform located inside the body cavity. The internal platform includes a plurality of links reconfigurable from a first elongated position wherein the links are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis for insertion to a second position wherein the links are angled with respect to one another to form a non-linear configuration. A first support of the external frame is movable with respect to the second support to thereby move the internal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120108900
    Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical system comprising a camera and a base supporting the camera, and a camera insertion tool for inserting the camera into the body cavity. The camera is mountable to a surgical instrument inside the body cavity and releasable from the insertion tool after mounting to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Kenneth Horton
  • Publication number: 20120109188
    Abstract: A wound closure device includes an elongated body, a depth stop, and one or more barbs. The elongated body has first and second ends. The ends are configured and dimensioned for insertion within tissue on opposed sides of a wound. The depth stop is positioned on the elongated body to limit the insertion depth of at least a portion of the elongated body within tissue. The one or more barbs extend radially from the elongated body and define an inner surface. The inner surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The second portion is disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20120085808
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Karl H. Ehrenfels, David Ivanko, Randolph F. Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba L. Rethy, Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8128577
    Abstract: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8114010
    Abstract: A gastric restrictor assembly for positioning within the digestive tract, e.g., stomach, of a patient to treat obesity is disclosed. The gastric restrictor assembly includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly within a body lumen and a valve assembly for adjusting the diameter of a throughbore defined by valve assembly. The gastric restrictor includes first and second actuators which can be actuated transorally for operating the attachment mechanism and the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8091754
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Karl H. Ehrenfels, David C. Eastwood Ivanko, Randolph F. Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba L. Rethy, Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 8091756
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus, and the application of variable compression to tissue. More specifically, the presently disclosed surgical fastener applying apparatus act to limit the flow of blood through tissue immediately adjacent a cut-line formed therein to effectuate hemostasis, while maximizing the flow of blood through tissue more removed from the cut-line to limit unnecessary necrosis. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener applying apparatus is disclosed having a tool assembly coupled to a distal end thereof with first and second jaws respectively including an anvil and a surgical fastener cartridge. The surgical fastener cartridge includes, among other things, a hemostasis member that is configured to apply at least two different compressive forces to tissue clamped between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola