Patents by Inventor Gene A. Stellon

Gene A. Stellon 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: 20110054258
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices for introducing a port within a body cavity. The system includes a compressible port that collapses radially for positioning into an introducer that is inserted into an incision. Methods for using the devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan B. O'Keefe, Jeffrey E. Ransden, Gene A. Stellon, Leland R. Adams, Joel N. Helfer, Alan B. Bachman, Adam I. Lehman, David N. Fowler
  • Patent number: 7896846
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20110040308
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for endoscopic suturing or stitching through an access tube or the like. An endoscopic stitching device is provided and includes a handle assembly; an elongate shaft supported by and extending from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a neck assembly configured and adapted for articulation in one direction between a substantially linear configuration and an off-axis configuration, and a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another. Each jaw defines a suture needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ramiro Cabrera, Thomas Wingardner, David N. Fowler, Brian J. Creston, Dmitri Menn, Paul D. Richard, Gene Stellon
  • Patent number: 7887553
    Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20110021878
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20100298646
    Abstract: An access assembly for insertion through a single incision is provided. The access assembly includes a foam body having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumen extending through the foam body, each of the lumen including a sleeve extending the length of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gene A. Stellon, Danny Berry, Paul D. Richard, Caren Necio
  • Publication number: 20100286484
    Abstract: An access assembly configured to receive one or more surgical instruments is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a longitudinal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a seal assembly received within the longitudinal passageway of the housing. The seal assembly defining a plurality of ports each configured to receive an instrument inserted therethrough in a sealing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Gene A. Stellon, Elias Hartoumbekis
  • Publication number: 20100234483
    Abstract: Molded polyurethane foams are provided which are useful as seals and have an ultimate elongation of at least about 300%. The foams may be formed from a first composition including a polyol, a chain extender, optional surfactants, catalysts, and blowing agents, in combination with a second composition including a polyol and an isocyanate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Sung, Gene A. Stellon, Caren L. Necio, Aisa Sendijarevic, Vahid Sendijarevic
  • Publication number: 20100094094
    Abstract: A method of retracting and/or manipulating tissue is provided. The method includes providing access to a body cavity, providing a retractor including a elongated body portion, a needle formed on a proximal end of the elongated body portion and an anchor means formed on a distal end of the elongated body portion, directing the needle of the retractor through a section of tissue to be retracted, drawing the retractor though the tissue until the anchor means engages the tissue, and pulling the body portion of the retractor to manipulate the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. DeSantis, Gene Stellon, Scott Depierro
  • Publication number: 20100049138
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20100030018
    Abstract: A surgical device for performing surgery generally includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending from the handle assembly, an articulation mechanism operatively associated with the handle assembly, and an end effector. The elongate member has an articulating section and straight section. The articulating section is configured to articulate with respect to the straight section. The articulation mechanism is operatively associated with the handle assembly and the articulating section such that the articulating section articulates toward a first direction relative to the straight section upon movement of the handle assembly towards the first direction with respect to the straight section. The end effector is operatively coupled to the articulating section of the elongate member and includes first and second jaw members. The surgical device further includes a locking mechanism configured for fixing a relative position of first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Fortier, Andrew Ziegler, Amos Cruz, Gene A. Stellon, Steve Evans
  • Publication number: 20090326462
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Publication number: 20090318868
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20090314422
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Patent number: 7632250
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20090093683
    Abstract: A surgical kit for performing a surgical procedure includes at least two portal members, possibly, at least three portal members, and an obturator positionable within each of the portal members. Each portal member includes a portal housing and a portal sleeve extending from the portal housing, and having a passageway therethrough for reception of a surgical object, the portal head having a reduced profile, an object seal adapted to establish a fluid tight seal about the surgical object introduced therethrough and an insufflation port for permitting passage of insufflation gases. At least one of the at least two portal members includes an insufflation plug. The insufflation plug is positionable within the insufflation port to substantially close the insufflation port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Paul D. Richard, Gene A. Stellon, Steve L. Izzo
  • Patent number: 7470255
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member dimensioned for insertion within tissue and having a longitudinal opening to permit introduction of a surgical object through the access member to perform a procedure on underlying tissue. A seal member is mounted across the longitudinal opening of the access member and has an internal portion defining an aperture for forming a substantial seal about the surgical object introduced through the longitudinal opening of the access member. The seal member includes a first seal portion extending from the internal portion and being mounted in suspended relation to the access member, and a second seal portion extending from the internal portion and disposed radially outward of the first seal portion, and being attached to the access member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Ralph A. Stearns, David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon
  • Patent number: 7390315
    Abstract: A molded trocar latch apparatus for locking a safety shield in position is described. The molded latch includes a trocar housing and a shield. The housing has a first monolithically formed cap and a monolithically formed base. A latch mechanism, including a slider and a latch, may be monolithically formed with either the base or the cap of the housing. The slider and the latch are operatively connected to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. The latch in the locked position is configured to engage a ledge on the shield and at least stop further proximal movement of the shield that could unintentionally expose the blade of the trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group, LP
    Inventors: Gene Stellon, David C. Racenet, Ralph A. Stearns, Adam Lehman
  • Patent number: 7367960
    Abstract: A trocar system including a cannula and an obturator assembly being at least partially insertable through the cannula. The obturator assembly including a housing, a penetrating tip disposed at a distal end, an elongated shield including a guard extending from a shaft are movable relative to the penetrating tip, and a latch mechanism disposed generally within the housing. The latch mechanism facilitates changing the configuration of the obturator assembly between a fixed-shield orientation, wherein at least a portion of the guard is maintained to extend at least partially distal of the penetrating tip to prevent puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip, to a non-fixed shield orientation whereby upon application of force to the distal end of the obturator assembly, the guard and penetrating tip are permitted to move relative one another to facilitate puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Gene Stellon, David C. Racenet, Ralph A. Stearns, Adam Lehman
  • Publication number: 20080009797
    Abstract: A trocar system including a cannula and an obturator assembly being at least partially insertable through the cannula. The obturator assembly including a housing, a penetrating tip disposed at a distal end, an elongated shield including a guard extending from a shaft are movable relative to the penetrating tip, and a latch mechanism disposed generally within the housing. The latch mechanism facilitates changing the configuration of the obturator assembly between a fixed-shield orientation, wherein at least a portion of the guard is maintained to extend at least partially distal of the penetrating tip to prevent puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip, to a non-fixed shield orientation whereby upon application of force to the distal end of the obturator assembly, the guard and penetrating tip are permitted to move relative one another to facilitate puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Gene Stellon, David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, Adam Lehman