Patents by Inventor Michael J. Stokes

Michael J. Stokes 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).

  • Method and apparatus for sealing a gastric opening
    Patent number: 8029522
    Abstract: An anchorable cannula adapted for positioning within an opening formed in tissue includes a cannula body having a proximal portion and distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are linked by a circumferential ring positioned therebetween. The proximal portion includes a series of foldable arms extending upwardly from the circumferential ring and ending at a circumferential seal ring formed at a free end of the proximal portion. The distal portion includes a series of foldable arms extending downwardly from the circumferential ring and ending at a circumferential seal ring formed at a free end of the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes
  • Fasteners for use with gastric restriction
    Patent number: 8029535
    Abstract: A fastener is used during endoscopic procedures in which a suture is used in creating a predefined pouch through tissue apposition within the stomach. The fastener includes a fastener body having a tissue anchor for selectively securing the fastener body to tissue. The fastener body also includes a connection aperture shaped and dimensioned for passage of a suture therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, David N. Plescia
  • Surgical suturing apparatus with detachable handle
    Patent number: 7976553
    Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, a handle, an elongated flexible member having a distal end attached to the suture housing and a proximal end attached to the handle, and a mechanism for releasing and reattaching the handle to the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Ortiz
  • Endoscopic guide device
    Patent number: 7967741
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Christie M. Cunningham, David Stefanchik, James W. Voegele, Michael J. Stokes, Christopher J. Hess, James T. Spivey, Gary L. Long, Kurt R. Bally, Ragae M. Ghabrial, Rudolph H. Nobis
  • Device For Deploying A Fastener For Use In A Gastric Volume Reduction Prodecure
    Publication number: 20110130772
    Abstract: A method and device for manipulating gastric tissue about a greater curvature of a stomach. The method includes the steps of creating at least one incision to gain access to the peritoneal cavity, and dissecting at least a portion of the greater omentum. Then the method includes accessing the exterior of the gastric tissue through the incision and folding at least a portion of the greater curvature of the stomach. The fold is constructed having serosa to serosa contact substantially along its entire length. The method further involves securing the fold with a flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises at least one tissue securing feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Method for plicating and fastening gastric tissue
    Patent number: 7951159
    Abstract: A method for creating a plication within a hollow organ. The method uses an elongated member having an end effector attached to its distal end. The end effector has a substantially hollow housing, a fixed jaw extending distally from the housing, and a retractable jaw located within the housing. The method involves the step of inserting the end effector within an organ of a patient such that it is in contact with tissue. The method also involves applying vacuum through the elongated member so as to dispose tissue on the fixed jaw and at least partially within the housing. The method also involves creating a plication by sliding the retractable jaw so that it juxtaposes the fixed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner
  • ARTICULABLE LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20110087269
    Abstract: A medical device comprises a handle comprises an actuator. A shaft extends distally from the handle. A first shaft segment extends proximally from the handle and has a proximal end and a distal end. A second shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the first shaft segment at a position offset from a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first offset direction. A third shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the second shaft segment at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second offset direction different from the first offset direction. A first member extends through at least a portion of the first shaft segment and is operatively associated with the actuator. A second member extends through at least a portion of the second shaft segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Kempton K. Carroll, II, Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Sean P. Conlon
  • LAPAROSCOPIC DEVICE WITH COMPOUND ANGULATION
    Publication number: 20110087236
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion configured to be movable between a first configuration in which the distal portion of the shaft is substantially straight or linear and a second configuration in which the distal portion of the shaft is bent at a compound angle. The shaft's distal portion can be configured to be articulated in a wide range of compound angles and can be configured to be selectively locked in a fixed position anywhere within that range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Reloadable Laparoscopic Fastener Deploying Device
    Publication number: 20110082471
    Abstract: A device for deploying fasteners including a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle. The device also includes an elongated pusher movable through the hollow housing from the proximal to the distal end to deploy the fasteners. The device further includes a deforming member for deforming the pusher at a proximal end thereof while advancing the pusher to the distal end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew D. Holcomb, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner, Mark S. Ortiz, Alexander P. Kondor, Lawrence Crainich, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Method For Deploying Fasteners For Use In a Gastric Volume Reduction Procedure
    Publication number: 20110082472
    Abstract: A method for deploying fasteners including the steps of providing a device having a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle and an elongated pusher movable through the hollow housing from the distal to the proximal end for deploying the fastener from the distal end. The method includes increasing the stiffness of the pusher at a distal end thereof and advancing the pusher through the elongated housing to deploy the fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Matthew D. Holcomb, Mark S. Zeiner, Michael J. Stokes
  • SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20110060363
    Abstract: A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing the tissue captured therein. As a result, a single staple design can be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures thereby reducing the amount of staple designs that must be provided to the surgeon. In at least one embodiment, the staple includes a crushable member. This crushable member can include a plastically deformable first portion and an elastically deformable second portion. The present invention can also include, in various embodiments, a crown, a first deformable member extending from the crown, and means for compressing the tissue against the first deformable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • METHODS AND IMPLANTS FOR INDUCING SATIETY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY
    Publication number: 20110060358
    Abstract: A device for inducing satiety including an elongated device for insertion through a natural orifice and into a stomach of the patient. The distal end of the device includes a means for occupying space between the submucosal and muscularis layers adjacent a pyloric sphincter. The means has a collapsed state for delivery to a target site and an expanded state for implantation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Elliott J. Fegelman, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess
  • METHODS AND IMPLANTS FOR INDUCING SATIETY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY
    Publication number: 20110060308
    Abstract: A method for inducing satiety using the steps of inserting an elongated device into a patient through a natural orifice and into a stomach of the patient, placing a distal end of the elongated device adjacent a treatment site within the stomach, and delivering at least one space occupying member through the elongated device adjacent the treatment site and implanting the at least one space occupying member between the submucosal and muscularis layers at the target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Elliott J. Fegelman, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess
  • Apparatus for single pass gastric restriction
    Patent number: 7896894
    Abstract: A gastric reduction apparatus that facilitates the creation of a transoral linear passageway through the stomach includes an elongated body including a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated body is generally sinusoidal shaped with at least one tissue engaging surface oriented such that a needle will pass therethrough. The elongated body also includes at least one needle passing channel respectively formed adjacent the at least one tissue engaging surface. The at least one needle passing channel generally passes through the center of the sinusoidal waveforms defined by the at least one tissue engaging surface such that a needle will pass entirely through stomach tissue contacting the tissue engaging surface of the elongated body. The elongated body further includes a suture passing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, David B. Griffith, Michael J. Stokes
  • Method and apparatus for endoscopically performing gastric reduction surgery in a single step
    Patent number: 7896890
    Abstract: An endoscopic gastric reduction apparatus adapted for applying a series of pledgets to anterior and posterior gastric walls for the creation of a mattress stitch suture within the stomach includes an applier having a distal end and a proximal end. The applier is secured at a distal end of a support shaft shaped and dimensioned for passage down the esophagus and into the stomach. The applier includes an applier body having a suction slot shaped and dimensioned for receiving tissue therein for the application of at least one pledget housed within the suction slot for selective coupling with tissue suctioned within the suction slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, William J. Kraimer, David B. Griffith
  • Surgical suturing apparatus with needle position indicator
    Patent number: 7887554
    Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle being mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and mechanism for determining the position of at least one of the distal end of the needle and the proximal end of the needle at all points along the arcuate path about which the needle moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia
  • Tissue conveyor for use in gastric reduction surgery and associated method for use
    Patent number: 7862581
    Abstract: A tissue conveyor includes a conveyor body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a handle allowing for operator control of an end effector located at the distal end. The end effector includes a grasper assembly composed of a first jaw bar and a second jaw bar connected by a support base to define a cavity into which tissue is drawn. A first conveyor member is positioned upon the first jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the first jaw bar and a second conveyor member is positioned upon the second jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the second jaw bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Michael J. Stokes, Jason L. Harris
  • Adjustable vacuum chamber for a surgical suturing apparatus
    Patent number: 7846169
    Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and a vacuum chamber surrounding the suture housing. The vacuum chamber is coupled to a vacuum line of the endoscope and includes a mechanism for adjusting the maximum amount of tissue that can be drawn into the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes
  • Powering implantable restriction systems using light
    Patent number: 7844342
    Abstract: Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by the communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in a pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Michael J. Stokes
  • Surgical suturing apparatus with collapsible vacuum chamber
    Patent number: 7833236
    Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and a collapsible vacuum chamber containing the suture housing. The vacuum chamber is shaped and dimensioned for coupling to a vacuum line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Ortiz