Patents by Inventor Keith Ratcliff
Keith Ratcliff 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: 6676671Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient is disclosed and generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying a staple assembly on a distal end thereof, a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the staple assembly radially outward and drive the staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve to secure the valve. A method of installing a heart valve within a patient utilizing the surgical stapler is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: United States SurgicalInventors: John Charles Robertson, Keith Ratcliff, Brian W. Moulder
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Patent number: 6644532Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: United States Surtical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
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Patent number: 6619529Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
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Patent number: 6592593Abstract: An endo-vascular fastener applicator is provided for endo-luminal fastening of a prosthetic to a vessel with a fastener. The applicator includes a tubular body that is configured for positioning within a vessel, an expandable portion disposed adjacent the distal end of the tubular body and deployed to support a prosthetic in contact with an inner surface of a vessel, and a drive assembly for advancing a fastener into the prosthetic. A delivery tube may be included that is disposed for movement within the tubular body, and which defines a channel for movement of the drive assembly there within. The delivery tube may include an applicator head. The applicator head may include an injection mount that is disposed for movement relative to a prosthetic.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Juan Carlos Parodi, Keith Ratcliff, Frank M. Rende, Charles R. Sherts
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Patent number: 6537212Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, David Farascioni, Keith Ratcliff, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, Cathy Aranyi
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Publication number: 20020193666Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, David Farascioni, Keith Ratcliff, Peter W.J. Hinchliffe, Cathy Aranyi
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Publication number: 20020096550Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
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Publication number: 20010044636Abstract: An arterial closure device for use following coronary catherization procedures to close arterial access openings through the arterial wall while permitting post operative flow through the artery includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis, first and second arterial tissue everting members mounted adjacent the distal end of the housing and first and second jaw members mounted adjacent the first and second tissue engaging members. The first and second arterial tissue everting members are dimensioned for at least partial positioning within the arterial access opening in the arterial wall and are deployable in at least a radial outward direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing to engage respective opposed arterial tissue portions on opposed sides of the opening and move the tissue arterial portions to an everted condition thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Roberto Pedros, Keith Ratcliff, John C. Robertson
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Publication number: 20010030219Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
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Publication number: 20010031972Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient is disclosed and generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying a staple assembly on a distal end thereof, a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the staple assembly radially outward and drive the staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve to secure the valve. A method of installing a heart valve within a patient utilizing the surgical stapler is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: United States SurgicalInventors: John Charles Robertson, Keith Ratcliff, Brian W. Moulder
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Publication number: 20010014801Abstract: Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Applicant: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: H. Jonathan Tovey, Keith Ratcliff, Kenneth E. Toso, Peter W.J. Hinchliffe
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Publication number: 20010009971Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, David Farascioni, Keith Ratcliff, Peter W.J. Hinchliffe, Cathy Aranyi
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Patent number: 6250532Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David T. Green, Keith Ratcliff, Keith Milliman, Henry R. Sienkiewicz, Mitchell J. Palmer, Graham W. Bryan
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Patent number: 6248124Abstract: An arterial closure device for use following coronary catherization procedures to close arterial access openings through the arterial wall while permitting post operative flow through the artery includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis, first and second arterial tissue everting members mounted adjacent the distal end of the housing and first and second jaw members mounted adjacent the first and second tissue engaging members. The first and second arterial tissue everting members are dimensioned for at least partial positioning within the arterial access opening in the arterial wall and are deployable in at least a radial outward direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing to engage respective opposed arterial tissue portions on opposed sides of the opening and move the tissue arterial portions to an everted condition thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Tyco Healthcare GroupInventors: Roberto Pedros, Keith Ratcliff, John C. Robertson
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Patent number: 6231565Abstract: Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: H. Jonathan Tovey, Keith Ratcliff, Kenneth E. Toso, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 6213940Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractable blade. A surgical instrument is provided which in engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, David Farascioni, Keith Ratcliff, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, Cathy Aranvi
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Patent number: 6203553Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying at least one staple assembly on a distal end thereof; a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the at least one staple assembly radially outward and drive the at least one staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the at least one staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the at least one staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve, as the second cylindrical portion is moved distally relative to the first cylindrical portion; and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the anvil flange configured to crimp the second leg of the at least one staple assemType: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: United States SurgicalInventors: John Charles Robertson, Keith Ratcliff, Brian W. Moulder
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Patent number: 5967973Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: United States SurgicalInventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, David Farascioni, Keith Ratcliff, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, Cathy Aranyi
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Patent number: 5968090Abstract: The endovascular graft disclosed includes a main tubular body having a first end portion and an exterior surface. The first end portion has a flanged end disposed on exterior surface and extending radially thereabout, for engaging blood vessel walls. The graft may be made from a surgically implantible material. The graft has a second end portion of the main body that can either be a continuation of the main body or split into two tubular legs. The two tubular legs, each define a bore. The bore of the main body is in communication with the bores of the legs.A method of installing the endovascular graft includes installing the graft intraluminially to the operative site using a catheter having a balloon portion. The graft is positioned to extend through a damaged portion of a blood vessel. The balloon portion is positioned within a bore defined by the graft proximal to a first end portion, the first end portion having a flanged end.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical Corp.Inventors: Keith Ratcliff, John Charles Robertson
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Patent number: 5947896Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Charles R. Sherts, David A. Nicholas, Keith Ratcliff, John Charles Robertson, David Farascioni, Daniel E. Alesi, Patrick M. Flanagan