Patents by Inventor James E. Dunning
James E. Dunning 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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Publication number: 20240032987Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes clamping tissue between an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member and simultaneously: transmitting ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade to vibrate the ultrasonic blade at a first blade velocity thereby heating the clamped tissue; and supplying electrosurgical energy, at a constant voltage, to the jaw member and the ultrasonic blade at different potentials such that the electrosurgical energy is conducted therebetween and through the clamped tissue to heat the clamped tissue. An impedance of the clamped tissue is monitored and the simultaneous transmission of ultrasonic energy and supply of electrosurgical energy is terminated and/or a notification is output once the clamped tissue is sealed, as indicated by the impedance of the clamped tissue being equal to or greater than a threshold impedance. Surgical instruments and end effectors thereof for treating tissue in this manner are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Michael B. Lyons, James E. Dunning, Kristen P. Bradley, David J. Van Tol, Christopher T. Tschudy, Keith W. Malang, Donald L. Tonn, Mark A. Johnston, James R. Fagan
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Publication number: 20230380882Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical generator that controls treatment energy to be provided in a coagulation mode, where the treatment energy has an adjustable voltage ramp rate which can be set to a ramp rate in a range of voltage ramp rates. The generator receives signals from an instrument over time relating to load impedance. When the load impedance is above a threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and decreases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, a voltage of the treatment energy. When the load impedance is below the threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and increases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, the voltage of the treatment energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Donald L. Tonn, James E. Dunning, William D. Faulkner, Jennifer R. McHenry, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Eric M. Westra
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Patent number: 11806067Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a power converter coupled to the power supply and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the DC waveform; an active terminal coupled to the power converter and configured to couple to a first electrosurgical instrument and a second electrosurgical instrument; at least one sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and a controller coupled to the power converter. The controller is configured to: determine a first impedance associated with a first electrosurgical instrument and a second impedance associated with a second electrosurgical instrument based on the at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and adjust at least one parameter of the radio frequency waveform based on the first impedance and the second impedance.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: James E. Dunning
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Patent number: 11744631Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical generator that controls treatment energy to be provided in a coagulation mode, where the treatment energy has an adjustable voltage ramp rate which can be set to a ramp rate in a range of voltage ramp rates. The generator receives signals from an instrument over time relating to load impedance. When the load impedance is above a threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and decreases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, a voltage of the treatment energy. When the load impedance is below the threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and increases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, the voltage of the treatment energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Donald L. Tonn, James E. Dunning, William D. Faulkner, Jennifer R. McHenry, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Eric M. Westra
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Publication number: 20230139073Abstract: A multifunction surgical instrument having a low-profile configuration to deliver both small vessel sealing through a bipolar clamping mechanism and transcollation sealing of diffused bleeding in a broad tissue plane, the multifunction surgical instrument including a first jaw and a second jaw configured to transition between an open position and a closed position to serve as a clamp for sealing of tissue, and a disposable electrode portion comprising a first conductive surface positioned in proximity to the first jaw and a second conductive surface positioned in proximity to the second jaw, the first and second conductive surfaces configured to emit a high-frequency alternating current, and two or more electrodes and at least one saline port, wherein the two or more electrodes in the at least one saline port cooperate to affect transcollation sealing of diffused bleeding within a broad tissue plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: James E. Dunning, Brian Lane, Erin E. Wehrly, Prakash Manley
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Patent number: 11534226Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions when executed, cause the generator to provide an indicated treatment energy to the instrument, where the indicated treatment energy is set by a user and having a corresponding current limit, receive signals from the instrument over time relating to a load impedance between the active electrode and the return electrode of the instrument, determine based on the signals that the active electrode and the return electrode are currently shorted together, and prior to the short, the instrument was grasping tissue between the active electrode and the return electrode, and based on the determination, reduce a current limit of treatment energy being provided to the instrument to below the corresponding current limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Donald L. Tonn, James E. Dunning, William D. Faulkner, Jennifer R. McHenry, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Eric M. Westra
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Publication number: 20220395314Abstract: Tools, systems, and methods described herein provide multiple treatments with a reduced number of tools. A single tool as described herein can be used to provide both clamping and sealing treatment modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Alexander J. SEGIT, Steven Ek, James E. Dunning, Erin E. Wehrly
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Publication number: 20220395311Abstract: An electrosurgical system may include an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy; and an electrosurgical instrument coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical instrument may include a motion and/or position sensor, where the electrosurgical generator is configured to control the electrosurgical energy based on a sensor signal from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventor: James E. Dunning
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Publication number: 20220323137Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a power converter coupled to the power supply and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the DC waveform; an active terminal coupled to the power converter and configured to couple to a first electrosurgical instrument and a second electrosurgical instrument; at least one sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and a controller coupled to the power converter. The controller is configured to: determine a first impedance associated with a first electrosurgical instrument and a second impedance associated with a second electrosurgical instrument based on the at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and adjust at least one parameter of the radio frequency waveform based on the first impedance and the second impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventor: James E. Dunning
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Patent number: 11369429Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a power converter coupled to the power supply and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the DC waveform; an active terminal coupled to the power converter and configured to couple to a first electrosurgical instrument and a second electrosurgical instrument; at least one sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and a controller coupled to the power converter. The controller is configured to: determine a first impedance associated with a first electrosurgical instrument and a second impedance associated with a second electrosurgical instrument based on the at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and adjust at least one parameter of the radio frequency waveform based on the first impedance and the second impedance.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: James E. Dunning
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Patent number: 11272975Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to controlling the application of electrosurgical energy by an electrosurgical instrument. An electrosurgical generator in accordance with the present disclosure includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions when executed, cause the generator to receive signals from the instrument over time relating to whether tissue is grasped by the instrument, receive an indication to provide an indicated treatment power to the instrument where the indicated treatment power is set by a user, determine based on the signals that tissue is currently grasped and that, for at least a predetermined length of time prior, no tissue had been grasped, and based on the determination, provide a treatment power surge to the instrument for a surge time period. After the surge time period, the generator provides the indicated treatment power to the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Donald L. Tonn, James E. Dunning, William D. Faulkner, Jennifer R. McHenry, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Eric M. Westra
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Publication number: 20210259759Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an adaptor assembly includes a plug, a selector assembly, and a connector. The plug is coupled to an electrosurgical generator and is configured to receive electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator. The selector assembly includes a first position and a second position. The first position is configured to indicate a first setting of the electrosurgical generator. The second position is configured to indicate a second setting of the electrosurgical generator. The selector assembly, when actuated, indicates the selected position to the electrosurgical generator to initiate the corresponding setting. The connector is configured to couple to a surgical instrument and convey the electrosurgical energy to the surgical instrument. The electrosurgical energy, when based on the first setting, is different from the electrosurgical energy, when based on the second setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Jennifer R. Mchenry, William D. Faulkner, James E. Dunning, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Eric M. Westra, Donald L. Tonn
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Patent number: 10828102Abstract: An ablation probe is provided. The ablation probe includes a housing that is configured to couple to a microwave energy source. A shaft extends distally from the housing and includes a radiating section at a distal end thereof. A sensor assembly is operably disposed on the housing and includes a pair of sensor contacts. One or more sensors are positioned adjacent the radiating section and extend along the shaft. The sensor(s) have a pair of sensor contact pads that are positioned on the shaft for contact with the pair of sensors such that during transmission of microwave from the radiating section into target tissue at least one electrical parameter is induced into the at least one sensor and detected by the pair of sensor contacts.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James E. Dunning, Eric W. Larson, Jennifer McHenry
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Patent number: 10729486Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for operating an electrosurgical generator, including a radio-frequency (RF) output stage configured to output an electrosurgical waveform, a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with an implantable device in a patient, and a controller coupled to the RF output stage and the wireless transceiver, the controller configured to control the RF output stage to generate an electrosurgical waveform based on the implantable device.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James E. Dunning, Sara E. Anderson, Steven P. Buysse
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Publication number: 20200229860Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a power converter coupled to the power supply and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the DC waveform; an active terminal coupled to the power converter and configured to couple to a first electrosurgical instrument and a second electrosurgical instrument; at least one sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and a controller coupled to the power converter. The controller is configured to: determine a first impedance associated with a first electrosurgical instrument and a second impedance associated with a second electrosurgical instrument based on the at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and adjust at least one parameter of the radio frequency waveform based on the first impedance and the second impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventor: James E. Dunning
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Patent number: 10610287Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a power converter coupled to the power supply and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the DC waveform; an active terminal coupled to the power converter and configured to couple to a first electrosurgical instrument and a second electrosurgical instrument; at least one sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and a controller coupled to the power converter. The controller is configured to: determine a first impedance associated with a first electrosurgical instrument and a second impedance associated with a second electrosurgical instrument based on the at least one property of the radio frequency waveform; and adjust at least one parameter of the radio frequency waveform based on the first impedance and the second impedance.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: James E. Dunning
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Patent number: 10278788Abstract: A surgical instrument and related method are provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing, a cable, and an identifying circuit. An end-effector is coupled to the housing for treating tissue. The cable extends from the housing and is configured to couple the surgical instrument to a generator. The identifying circuit includes a plurality of capacitive elements disposed on the surgical instrument. The plurality of capacitive elements is readable by the generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: James E. Dunning
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Publication number: 20190090932Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical generator that controls treatment energy to be provided in a coagulation mode, where the treatment energy has an adjustable voltage ramp rate which can be set to a ramp rate in a range of voltage ramp rates. The generator receives signals from an instrument over time relating to load impedance. When the load impedance is above a threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and decreases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, a voltage of the treatment energy. When the load impedance is below the threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and increases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, the voltage of the treatment energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA
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Publication number: 20190090931Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to controlling the application of electrosurgical energy by an electrosurgical instrument to minimizing arcing and subsequent wear of electrosurgical instruments. An electrosurgical generator in accordance with the present disclosure includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA
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Publication number: 20190090930Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to controlling the application of electrosurgical energy by an electrosurgical instrument. An electrosurgical generator in accordance with the present disclosure includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. When the instructions are executed, they cause the generator to receive signals from the instrument over time relating to whether tissue is grasped by the instrument, receive an indication to provide an indicated treatment power to the instrument where the indicated treatment power is set by a user, determine based on the signals that tissue is currently grasped and that, for at least a predetermine length of time prior, no tissue had been grasped, and based on the determination, provide a treatment power surge to the instrument for a surge time period, where the treatment power surge is greater than the indicated treatment power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA