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).

  • Publication number: 20060235469
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fasteners and more particularly to surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical fastener for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus is provided. The surgical fastener includes a pair of legs; a crown interconnecting the pair of legs; and a wound treatment material coating at least a portion of the legs and crown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060201990
    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: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Frank Viola, Thomas Alesi, Robert Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060201991
    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: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Frank Viola, Thomas Alesi, Robert Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060163312
    Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle, an elongated member extending distally from the handle and a fastener applier and anvil head disposed at the distal end of the elongated member. The elongated member defines a distal offset end portion upon which the fastener applier and the anvil head are mounted. The offset end portion is angularly oriented with respect to the axis of the instrument at a predetermined fixed angle (e.g., either 45°, 60° and 75° relative to the axis of the instrument) thereby positioning the fastener applier and the anvil head at the fixed angle. This feature facilitates positioning of the tissue with respect to the instrument and enhances visual access to the tissue when appropriately disposed within the fastener applier and the anvil head. Various mechanisms for effectuating the clamping of the tissue between the fastener holder and anvil, and the firing of the instrument are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, David Racenet, Ernest Aranyi, Richard Gresham, Paul Scirica, David Farascioni, Kenneth Whitfield, Philip Roy, Earl Zergiebel
  • Publication number: 20060151569
    Abstract: An improved surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section with the cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position. The apparatus includes a replaceable staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out. The safety lock-out is pivotable between an initial position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position is permitted and a blocking position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to return them to their fully clamped position after the plurality of staples have been at least partially fired is prevented. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted firing lever for moving a pair of camming surfaces longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Karl Ehrenfels, David Ivanko, Randolph Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba Rethy, Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060149305
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access apparatus during a surgical procedure includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a passageway dimensioned to permit passage of an object. The housing is adapted for mounting to a surgical access apparatus and has internal wall portions defining an internal chamber. A seal is mounted within the internal chamber of the housing and is adapted to form a substantial sealing relation with the object. The seal is mounted for reciprocal movement within the internal chamber in a general transverse direction to the longitudinal axis. A viscous fluid is disposed within the internal chamber surrounding the seal and is adapted to form a substantial seal between the seal and the internal wall portions of the housing. The fluid may have lubricious characteristic to facilitate sliding movement of the seal relative to the internal wall portions of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Cuevas, Thomas Wenchell, Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060138193
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to staple-gap adjustment members for use in surgical stapling apparatus and methods. A gap adjustment member includes one or more bearing portions sharing a common rotational axis and one or more cam surface portions having a periphery with at least two different points along the periphery, with each point along the periphery having a different radius from the rotational axis. The one or more cam surface portions can have a central axis parallel to and spaced a distance from the rotational axis of the one or more bearing portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, David Ivanko
  • Publication number: 20060138194
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to staple-gap adjustment members for use in surgical stapling apparatus and methods. A gap adjustment member includes one or more bearing portions sharing a common rotational axis and one or more cam surface portions having a periphery with at least two different points along the periphery, with each point along the periphery having a different radius from the rotational axis. The one or more cam surface portions can have a central axis parallel to and spaced a distance from the rotational axis of the one or more bearing portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Viola, David Ivanko
  • Publication number: 20060135992
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Bettuchi, David Fowler, Frank Viola, Christopher Criscuolo, Danyel Tarinelli, Robert Capella, Kevin Sniffin, Ahmad Hadba
  • Publication number: 20060100644
    Abstract: A tool assembly having a pair of jaws is disclosed. Each of the jaws has a proximal end and a distal end and the first jaw is movable in relation to the second jaw between a spaced position and an approximated position. First and second cam followers are supported on the first jaw. An approximation member is movable in relation to the first jaw and includes at least one cam surface positioned to engage the first and second cam followers. The approximation member is movable in relation to the first jaw to move the at least one cam surface in relation to the first and second cam followers to effect movement of the first and second jaws from the spaced position to the approximated position. The at least one cam channel is configured to approximate the distal ends of the first and second jaws prior to approximation of the proximal ends of the first and second jaws. In another preferred embodiment, the tool assembly includes an articulation and firing actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060085035
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060085036
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060085032
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060081678
    Abstract: An improved surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section with the cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position. The apparatus includes a replaceable staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out. The safety lock-out is pivotable between an initial position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position is permitted and a blocking position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to return them to their fully clamped position after the plurality of staples have been at least partially fired is prevented. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted firing lever for moving a pair of camming surfaces longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Karl Ehrenfels, David Ivanko, Randolph Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba Rethy, Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060052670
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to endoscopic retractors including a shaft having at least a first section having a first mechanical interface and a second section having a second mechanical interface for engaging the first mechanical interface, the first section and the second section being selectively movable from a first, generally longitudinally-aligned configuration along an axis defined through the shaft and the first mechanical interface is disengaged from the second mechanical interface, to a second configuration wherein the second section is disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and the first mechanical interface is engaged with the second mechanical interface. The retractor further includes at least one cable extending through the shaft and is operatively secured to the second section. The cable is remotely actuatable to move the second section from the first to the second configuration upon selective translation of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Joseph Orban, Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20060049229
    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: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Milliman, Frank Viola, Joseph Orban, Randolph Lehn
  • Publication number: 20060043147
    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: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Frank Viola, Thomas Alesi, Robert Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Publication number: 20050267478
    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: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Ralph Corradi, David Fowler, Christopher Criscuolo, Earl Zergiebel, Michael Bettuchi, Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20050230453
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple anvil and a staple cartridge having a working surface, one or more rows of individual staple slots formed in the working surface, a knife track formed along a length of the working surface, and a plurality of surgical staples individually disposed within the individual staple slots. The apparatus further includes an actuation sled having a knife and being configured and adapted to movably position the knife axially within the knife track. The apparatus also includes a wound closure material applicator assembly having a needle secured to the knife to dispense a quantity of wound closure material along a length of the knife track as the actuation sled and knife are moved therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20050222616
    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: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Csaba Rethy, Karl Ehrenfels, Roberto Pedros, David Ivanko, Randolph Lehn, Frank Viola