Patents by Inventor Gary M. Couture
Gary M. Couture 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).
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Patent number: 11350983Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ryan C. Artale, Gary M. Couture, William Ross Whitney, Gene H. Arts
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Patent number: 11304717Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Publication number: 20220008121Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, JR., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
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Patent number: 10987160Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Robert Sharp, Jeff Unger, Gary M. Couture
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Patent number: 10966779Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly has electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. An electrically conductive cutting element is disposed on at least one of the electrodes and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held between the electrodes to effect a tissue cut.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Keir Hart, Rebecca J. Coulson, Gary M. Couture, Geneva Ladtkow, Weng-Kai K. Lee, Kenneth E. Netzel, Prakash Manley, Arlen J. Reschke, Anthony D. Ricke, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Patent number: 10869682Abstract: A surgical system includes an attaching device having an end effector disposed at the distal end thereof. The end effector includes a support member, a wrist pivot pivotably coupling the end effector to the attaching device, and first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another and the support member. A first cable is operably coupled to the wrist pivot and configured to articulate the end effector relative to the attaching device. Second and third cables are operably coupled to the jaw members and configured to pivot the jaw members relative to the support member. A first actuation of the second and third cables collectively pivots the first and second jaw members relative to the support member. A second actuation of the second and third cables pivots the first and second jaw members relative to one another and the support member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, William H. Nau, Jr., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20200337761Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Robert Sharp, Jeff Unger, Gary M. Couture
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Publication number: 20200297369Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 10682154Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Publication number: 20200129227Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Robert M. Sharp, Jeffrey R. Unger, Gary M. Couture
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Patent number: 10537384Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Jeff Unger, Robert Sharp
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Patent number: 10499977Abstract: A method of surgery utilizing an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members defining a grasping area therebetween and a tissue-treating area therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. The end effector assembly is positioned such that the knife channels are positioned adjacent tissue to be removed. Thereafter, the first and/or second jaw members are moved from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween, the jaw members are energized for conducting energy through tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area to treat tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area, and a knife is advanced through the knife channels to cut tissue adjacent the tissue-treating area thereby separating tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David J. Van Tol, Gary M. Couture, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Barry J. Kaup
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Patent number: 10499976Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members each jaw member defining an opposed surface. The jaw members are movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue within a grasping area. First and second tissue-treating plates are disposed on the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue disposed within a tissue-treating. Each jaw member defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position, wherein the knife is positioned proximally of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife extends at least partially through the knife channels of the jaw members to cut tissue positioned adjacent the tissue-treating area.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David J. Van Tol, Gary M. Couture, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Barry J. Kaup
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Patent number: 10478243Abstract: A method of surgery includes grasping tissue between tissue-contacting surfaces of first and second jaw members of an end effector assembly, supplying energy to at least one of the tissue-contacting surfaces to treat tissue grasped therebetween, and translating and/or manipulating the end effector assembly to cut tissue in a ripping fashion.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Gary M. Couture, Ryan C. Artale, John R. Twomey, Rebecca J. Coulson, David J. Van Tol
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Patent number: 10327834Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joanna Ackley, James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Gary M. Couture, James S. Cunningham, David M. Garrison, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Publication number: 20190183565Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, GARY M. COUTURE, WILLIAM ROSS WHITNEY, GENE H. ARTS
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Patent number: 10285750Abstract: The systems and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide optimal tissue effect during an electrosurgical procedure. A system and method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is provided including sensing an impedance of target tissue; generating electrosurgical energy in a first phase at a first power level until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a first threshold impedance; generating a plurality of pulses of electrosurgical energy in a second phase at a second power level, each pulse being generated until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a second threshold impedance set for that pulse; and generating at least one high-voltage pulse in a third phase at a third power level for a predetermined duration to divide the target tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Rebecca J. Coulson, Gary M. Couture, Sara E. Anderson, Prakash Manley
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Patent number: 10231776Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ryan C. Artale, Gary M. Couture, William Ross Whitney, Gene H. Arts
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Patent number: 10206737Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Gary M. Couture
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Publication number: 20180103996Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventor: GARY M. COUTURE