Patents by Inventor Kristel L. Ambrosius
Kristel L. Ambrosius 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: 10893901Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, Jr., Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 10888368Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 10588686Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp, Kristel L. Ambrosius, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Peter M. Mueller, Duane E. Kerr, Ryan C. Artale
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Publication number: 20190167337Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: RONALD J. PODHAJSKY, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS
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Patent number: 10206732Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Publication number: 20180344388Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, JR., Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 10045811Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, Jr., Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Publication number: 20170348038Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: RONALD J. PODHAJSKY, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS
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Patent number: 9763727Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector for a surgical instrument includes providing a substrate wherein at least an outer periphery of the substrate is formed from an electrically-insulative material. The method further includes forming at least one ridge on the outer periphery of the substrate and depositing an electrically-conductive material onto the at least one ridge to form at least one electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, William S. Darrow, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 9757181Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 9668806Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jeffrey R. Unger, John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Dylan R. Kingsley, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Publication number: 20170049506Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, ROBERT M. SHARP, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS, GLENN A. HORNER, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, PETER M. MUELLER, DUANE E. KERR, RYAN C. ARTALE
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Patent number: 9510891Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes. The instrument includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp, Kristel L. Ambrosius, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Peter M. Mueller, Duane E. Kerr, Ryan C. Artale
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Publication number: 20150164577Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector for a surgical instrument includes providing a substrate wherein at least an outer periphery of the substrate is formed from an electrically-insulative material. The method further includes forming at least one ridge on the outer periphery of the substrate and depositing an electrically-conductive material onto the at least one ridge to form at least one electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: RONALD J. PODHAJSKY, WILLIAM S. DARROW, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS
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Patent number: 8962062Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector for a surgical instrument includes providing a substrate wherein at least an outer periphery of the substrate is formed from an electrically-insulative material. The method further includes forming at least one ridge on the outer periphery of the substrate and depositing an electrically-conductive material onto the at least one ridge to form at least one electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, William S. Darrow, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Publication number: 20130345701Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes. The instrument includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, ROBERT M. SHARP, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS, GLENN A. HORNER, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, PETER M. MUELLER, DUANE E. KERR, RYAN C. ARTALE
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Publication number: 20130331830Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: RONALD J. PODHAJSKY, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS
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Publication number: 20130177695Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector for a surgical instrument includes providing a substrate wherein at least an outer periphery of the substrate is formed from an electrically-insulative material. The method further includes forming at least one ridge on the outer periphery of the substrate and depositing an electrically-conductive material onto the at least one ridge to form at least one electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, William S. Darrow, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Publication number: 20130085496Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Jeffrey R. Unger, John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Dylan R. Kingsley, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: 8361069Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a first and a second set of needle like structures. Each set of needle like structures is functional for puncturing the skin of a patient on opposing sides of a wound or cut. Each needle comprises a body and a pointed portion at a distal end. The distal end is structured to form a sealing surface with an opposing needle on a needle of the other set. The sealing surfaces are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the sealing surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy therebetween. The first and second set of needle like structures are movable from a first position where the needles are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position where the first and second sets of needles members are closer to one another. A mechanical force applied to or within a housing is utilized to move the needles sets from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Kristel L. Ambrosius, Paul R. Romero, Dylan R. Kingsley, Randel A. Frazier