Patents by Inventor Jaime S. Vargas
Jaime S. Vargas 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: 11395580Abstract: A medical device includes an inner element and an outer element positioned at least in part around the inner element. At least one of the inner element and the outer element comprises compression-stiffening particles. The compression-stiffening particles are transitionable from a first state to a second state in response to application of pressure. The compression-stiffening particles have a higher rigidity in the second state than in the first state. The medical device also includes a pressure source operably coupled to one or both of the inner element and the outer element to apply pressure sufficient to transition the compression-stiffening particles from the first state to the second state.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Publication number: 20190223693Abstract: A rigidizable medical device may include an inner element and an outer element. The outer element of the device may be positioned at least in part around the inner element so as to define a space radially between the inner element and the outer element. The medical device may further include a stiffening material positioned in the space between the inner and outer elements. The stiffening material may be transitionable between a first relatively compliant state and a second relatively stiff state, upon a change in energy applied to the stiffening material. In the first state of the stiffening material, at least a portion along a length of the device where the stiffening material is located is flexible. In the second state of the stiffening material, at least the portion along the length of the device where the stiffening material is located is rigidized.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
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Patent number: 10314465Abstract: A selectively shapeable medical device comprises an elongate tube, an activation component operatively coupled to the elongate tube, and means for actuating the activation component. The activation component has a first state and a second state different from the first state. The activation component alters a stiffness of at least a portion of the tube coupled to the activation component in the first state and does not alter a stiffness of the portion of the tube in the second state.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Publication number: 20190159657Abstract: A rigidizable medical device comprising a rigidizable element actuatable between a first state and a second state, wherein the rigidizable element is flexible in the first state and rigid in the second state. The rigidizable medical device further comprises a passive element coupled to the rigidizable element and extending parallel to the rigidizable element, wherein the passive element is more rigid than the rigidizable element in the first state of the rigidizable element and is more flexible than the rigidizable element in the second state of the rigidizable element. The rigidizable and passive elements are configured to slide longitudinally relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2018Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
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Patent number: 10143362Abstract: A method for advancing a rigidizable medical device may include rigidizing a portion of an outer element of the device, and while the portion of the outer element is rigidized, advancing an inner element of the device relative to the outer element of the device by a first preestablished length of advancement. The method may also include, after advancing the inner element, relaxing the portion of the outer element of the device. The method may further include, after relaxing the portion of the outer element, advancing the outer element of the device relative to the inner element of the device by a second preestablished length of advancement.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Publication number: 20180064904Abstract: A medical cannula system comprises a conduit; an endoscope comprising a distal steerable tip, wherein the endoscope is inside the conduit, and wherein the distal steerable tip of the endoscope extends out of the conduit; a tip liner surrounding the distal steerable tip of the endoscope; and a wiper link surrounding the tip liner at a close tolerance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jaime S. VARGAS, Scott Berggren
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Patent number: 9808597Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel shape-transferring cannula system, which provides access to tortuous and unsupported paths. The shape-transferring cannula system and method enables exploration of hollow body structures, and creates a custom-contoured access port for insertion and removal of, for example, diagnostic, surgical, or interventional instruments to and from a site within the body to which the physician does not have line-of-sight access.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jaime S. Vargas, Scott Berggren
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Patent number: 9622748Abstract: A surgical tool for performing anastomosis may include a handle and a tissue effector connected by a shaft, at least party of which may be flexible. The tissue effector may include a staple holder connected to an anvil.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: DEXTERA SURGICAL INC.Inventors: David L. Bombard, Jaime S. Vargas, James T. Nielsen, Phillipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Nathan H. White, Bryan D. Knodel
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Publication number: 20150250470Abstract: Systems and methods for anchoring sutures in various limited access surgical procedures utilize suture anchors having a displaceable section for selectively locking a portion of suture to the suture anchor. A series of anchors and optional suture locks may be used in running or interrupted stitch patterns, depending on the application.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Patent number: 8894564Abstract: A method for advancing a device positioned coaxially with respect to a cannula comprises rigidizing a portion of the cannula and advancing the device until a first preestablished limit of relative displacement between the cannula and the device is reached. The method further comprises relaxing the portion of the cannula and advancing the cannula until a second preestablished limit of relative displacement between the cannula and the device is reached.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Publication number: 20140296779Abstract: A rigidizable medical device may include an inner element and an outer element. The outer element of the device may be positioned at least in part around the inner element so as to define a space radially between the inner element and the outer element. The medical device may further include a stiffening material positioned in the space between the inner and outer elements. The stiffening material may be transitionable between a first relatively compliant state and a second relatively stiff state, upon a change in energy applied to the stiffening material. In the first state of the stiffening material, at least a portion along a length of the device where the stiffening material is located is flexible. In the second state of the stiffening material, at least the portion along the length of the device where the stiffening material is located is rigidized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
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Publication number: 20140288568Abstract: A method for advancing a rigidizable medical device may include rigidizing a portion of an outer element of the device, and while the portion of the outer element is rigidized, advancing an inner element of the device relative to the outer element of the device by a first preestablished length of advancement. The method may also include, after advancing the inner element, relaxing the portion of the outer element of the device. The method may further include, after relaxing the portion of the outer element, advancing the outer element of the device relative to the inner element of the device by a second preestablished length of advancement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
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Publication number: 20140228642Abstract: A selectively shapeable medical device comprises an elongate tube, an activation component operatively coupled to the elongate tube, and means for actuating the activation component. The activation component has a first state and a second state different from the first state. The activation component alters a stiffness of at least a portion of the tube coupled to the activation component in the first state and does not alter a stiffness of the portion of the tube in the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
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Patent number: 8801753Abstract: A surgical staple for connecting two tubular tissue structures may include a substantially rectangular base having a first edge and a second edge substantially parallel to one another, and a third edge substantially perpendicular to the first and said second edges; and may also include at least three deformable tines extending from the first and second edges of said base; where no tine that extends from the first edge may be positioned at substantially the same distance from the third edge as any said tine that extends from the second edge; and where deformation of the tines secures the tubular tissue structures together.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Cardica, Inc.Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, David L. Bombard, Philipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Jaime S. Vargas, Bryan D. Knodel
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Patent number: 8771224Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel shape-transferring cannula system, which provides access to tortuous and unsupported paths. The shape-transferring cannula system and method enables exploration of hollow body structures, and creates a custom-contoured access port for insertion and removal of, for example, diagnostic, surgical, or interventional instruments to and from a site within the body to which the physician does not have line-of-sight access.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Patent number: 8512228Abstract: A rigidizable linkage mechanism comprises a plurality of serially arranged links comprising a distal link and a link proximal to the distal link. The rigidizable linkage mechanism further comprises a cable that extends in a distal direction through the plurality of serially arranged links, extends around the distal link of the plurality of links, and in a proximal direction back through at least a portion of the plurality of links. A distal end of the cable is fixedly coupled to the link proximal to the distal link, and a proximal end of the cable is coupled to a rigidizing actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Patent number: 8475493Abstract: A surgical staple for connecting two tubular tissue structures may include a substantially rectangular base having a first edge and a second edge substantially parallel to one another, and a third edge substantially perpendicular to the first and said second edges; and may also include at least three deformable tines extending from the first and second edges of said base; where no tine that extends from the first edge may be positioned at substantially the same distance from the third edge as any said tine that extends from the second edge; and where deformation of the tines secures the tubular tissue structures together.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Cardica, Inc.Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, David L. Bombard, Philipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Jaime S. Vargas, Bryan D. Knodel
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Publication number: 20120123206Abstract: A cannula coupled to a displacement limiting coupling. The cannula includes at least one rigidizable segment and means for rigidizing the rigidizable segment. The displacement limiting coupling couples to an insertable device and aligns the axes of the insertable device and the cannula and establishes limits on the relative axial displacement between the cannula and the insertable device. The insertable device may have a steerable tip that maintains an overlap with the rigidizable segment due to the axial displacement limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Publication number: 20120123207Abstract: A cannula coupled to a displacement limiting coupling. The cannula includes at least one rigidizable segment and means for rigidizing the rigidizable segment. The displacement limiting coupling couples to an insertable device and aligns the axes of the insertable device and the cannula and establishes limits on the relative axial displacement between the cannula and the insertable device. The insertable device may have a steerable tip that maintains an overlap with the rigidizable segment due to the axial displacement limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas
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Patent number: 8092369Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disk mounted to a joint providing freedom of movement of the at least one suction member or adhesive disk relative to its support. A method for retracting and maintaining an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLCInventors: Steven Peng, Larry Voss, David E. Hancock, Grace A. Carlson, John W. Davis, Albert K. Chin, Jaime S. Vargas