Patents by Inventor Lois A. Fitton

Lois A. Fitton 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).

  • Laparoscopic dissection tension retractor device and method
    Patent number: 5683349
    Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor and dissector for internal surgical use on a patent's body has a tubular support for passing into the patient's body. A proximal end on the tubular support located outside the patient's body is in position to provide assess for the surgeon. A distal end on the tubular support located inside the patient's body to provide access within the patient for surgery. A control is located at the proximal end of the tubular support. One or more articulated members are movably positioned relative to the distal end of the tubular support so each of the articulated members allows movement relative to the distal end. A rotator connects to the proximal end of the tubular support for movement relative to the control. An instrument moves independently of the tubular support when the articulated members and the distal tips cooperatively function on the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, Lois A. Fitton, Aaron D. Sodickson, William A. Gorman
  • Laparoscopic dissection tension retractor device and method
    Patent number: 5474057
    Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor and dissector for internal surgical use on a patient's body has a tubular support for passing into the patient's body. A proximal end on the tubular support located outside the patient's body is in position to provide access for the surgeon. A distal end on the tubular support located inside the patient's body to provide access within the patient for surgery. A control is located at the proximal end of the tabular support. One or more articulated members are movably positioned relative to the distal end of the tubular support so each of the articulated members allows swinging relative to the distal end. A rotator connects to the proximal end of the tubular support for movement relative to the control. An instrument moves independently of the tubular support when the articulated members and the distal tips cooperatively function on the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, Lois Fitton, Aaron Sodickson, Bill Gorman