Patents by Inventor Lawrence R. Tyler

Lawrence R. Tyler 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).

  • Inflatable manipulator for organ positioning during surgery
    Patent number: 6371910
    Abstract: An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans J. Zwart, Lawrence R. Tyler, Thomas J. Palermo, Kevin Van Bladel, Roderick A. Young, James E. Jervis
  • Inflatable manipulator for organ positioning during surgery and method of use
    Patent number: 6015382
    Abstract: An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans J. Zwart, Lawrence R. Tyler, Thomas J. Palermo, Kevin Van Bladel, Roderick A. Young, James E. Jervis