Patents by Inventor Lap P. Nguyen
Lap P. Nguyen 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: 7963965Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7828798Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Kate R. Lawes, Dale F. Schmaltz, Michael J. Lands, S. Wade Lukianow, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7510556Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Coviden AGInventors: Lap P. Nguyen, Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Stephen Wade Lukianow, Michael J. Lands, Jenifer S. Kennedy, Kate R. Lawes, Daniel L. Trimberger, Mathew E. Mitchell, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M Couture, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20080215051Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Kate R. Lawes, Dale F. Schmaltz, Michael J. Lands, S. Wade Lukianow, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7377920Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Kate R. Lawes, Dale F. Schmaltz, Michael J. Lands, S. Wade Lukianow, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7241296Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7131971Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue which includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another about a pivot from a first spaced position to a second closed position to grasp tissue. Each jaw member is adapted to couple to a generator for conducting energy to effect a seal. The forceps also includes a handle assembly and a longitudinally reciprocating knife assembly which is translatable to sever tissue. The knife assembly includes a bifurcated knife bar having two forks which ride about the pivot during translation of the knife. One or more non-conductive stop members are operatively associated with the jaw members to regulate the distance between the jaw members when closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Sean T. Dycus, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson, Michael C. Moses
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Patent number: 7090673Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions and a rotating assembly attached to the housing for rotating the jaw members about the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also attached to the housing for separating tissue grasped between the jaw members and a handle assembly is attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Sean Dycus, Chelsea Shields, Gary M. Couture, Jeremey Scott James, Kristin D. Johnson, Lap P. Nguyen, Philip Tetzlaff, Michael R. Warzecha, Michael Moses, David A. Schechter
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Patent number: 7083618Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including an electrically conductive sealing surface having a non-stick coating disposed thereon which is designed to reduce tissue adherence. A source of electrical energy is connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A longitudinally reciprocating knife is included which severs tissue proximate the seal. The vessel sealer and divider also includes a non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive surface of one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson, Michael Moses
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Publication number: 20040243125Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions and a rotating assembly attached to the housing for rotating the jaw members about the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also attached to the housing for separating tissue grasped between the jaw members and a handle assembly is attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Sean Dycus, Chelsea Shields, Gary M. Couture, Jeremey Scott James, Kristin D. Johnson, Lap P. Nguyen, Philip Tetzlaff, Michael R. Warzecha, Michael Moses, David A. Schechter
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Publication number: 20040147925Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson
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Patent number: 6726686Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson
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Publication number: 20030014053Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Lap P. Nguyen, Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Stephen Wade Lukianow, Michael J. Lands, Jenifer S. Kennedy, Kate R. Lawes, Daniel L. Trimberger, Mathew E. Mitchell, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20030014052Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Kate R. Lawes, Dale F. Schmaltz, Michael J. Lands, S. Wade Lukianow, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020188294Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including an electrically conductive sealing surface having a non-stick coating disposed thereon which is designed to reduce tissue adherence. A source of electrical energy is connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A longitudinally reciprocating knife is included which severs tissue proximate the seal. The vessel sealer and divider also includes a non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive surface of one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson, Michael Moses
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Publication number: 20020173787Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen, Kristin D. Johnson