Patents by Inventor Omar J. Vakharia
Omar J. Vakharia 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: 9375232Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one compression element. The cutting member includes a cutting edge and is configured to translate with respect to the first jaw between a retracted position and a fully advanced position. The at least one compression element extends distally from the cutting member, wherein the at least one compression element is configured to contact the first jaw such that the first jaw rotates with respect to the second jaw between an open configuration and a closed configuration when the cutting member translates with respect to the first jaw, wherein the at least one compression element comprises a rotatable member, and wherein the rotatable member is configured to be advanced ahead of the cutting edge as the cutting member translates to the fully advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: John V. Hunt, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Gavin M. Monson, Suzanne E. Thompson
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Patent number: 9351754Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to surgical instruments comprising an end effector, a shaft and a jaw assembly. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade extending distally substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. The shaft may extend proximally from the end effector along the longitudinal axis. The jaw assembly may comprise first and second jaw members. The jaw assembly may be pivotable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first position where the first and second jaw members are substantially parallel to the ultrasonic blade to a second position. Additionally, the first and second jaw members may be pivotable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Omar J. Vakharia, Jeffrey D. Messerly, David Stefanchik, Steven P. Smolik
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Publication number: 20160113731Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a distal end of a surgical instrument. In general, the methods and devices can allow for controlling movement of surgical tools, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an external control unit and a surgical tool positioned within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly including an input tool and a slave assembly including a surgical instrument. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be configured to be electronically coupled together such that movement of the master assembly can be electronically communicated to the slave assembly to cause mimicked movement of the slave assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, David N. Plescia, David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia, Andrew Yoo, James T. Spivey, Christopher J. Hess
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Publication number: 20160067001Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is configured for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly and a mounting plate. The mounting plate includes an opening. The first drive assembly is positioned within the opening such that the first drive assembly is laterally translatable within the opening from a first position to a second position. The shaft assembly is removably coupled with the interface assembly. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is longitudinally aligned with the first drive assembly. The first drive assembly engages the first coupling feature of the shaft assembly when the first drive assembly is laterally translated from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, David T. Martin, Gregory W. Johnson, William J. White, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael L. Stokes, Omar J. Vakharia
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Publication number: 20160058516Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9247997Abstract: A patient-referenced surgical support frame and method of use are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical support frame can have at least three support members coupled by adjustable linkages. Each support member can have a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a cannula, and each support member can be configured such that the at least three support members (or the cannulas extending therethrough) are angularly adjustable relative to one another, and such that a distance between each of the at least three support members is adjustable. In use, the surgical support frame can be positioned on a skin surface of a patient and used to retain one or more instruments extending through the support members in a fixed orientation or position with respect to the patient, thereby allowing more than two instruments to be used simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9241770Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a distal end of a surgical instrument. In general, the methods and devices can allow for controlling movement of surgical tools, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an external control unit and a surgical tool positioned within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly including an input tool and a slave assembly including a surgical instrument. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be configured to be electronically coupled together such that movement of the master assembly can be electronically communicated to the slave assembly to cause mimicked movement of the slave assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, David N. Plescia, David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia, Andrew Yoo, James T. Spivey, Christopher J. Hess
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Patent number: 9220569Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is configured for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly and a mounting plate. The mounting plate includes an opening. The first drive assembly is positioned within the opening such that the first drive assembly is laterally translatable within the opening from a first position to a second position. The shaft assembly is removably coupled with the interface assembly. The shaft assembly includes an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is longitudinally aligned with the first drive assembly. The first drive assembly engages the first coupling feature of the shaft assembly when the first drive assembly is laterally translated from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, David T. Martin, Gregory W. Johnson, William J. White, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Stokes, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9211159Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9179927Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9168051Abstract: Methods and devices are provided utilizing an end effector having three jaws movably coupled thereto for grasping and/or dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, each of the three jaws are movable between an open position in which the distal ends of the three jaws are spaced apart from one another, and a closed position in which the distal ends directly contact one another. The jaws can define an opening therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Gregory J. Bakos, Omar J. Vakharia, David Stefanchik
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Patent number: 9149324Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Zhifan F. Huang, David A. Witt, Raymond M. Banks, Timothy G. Dietz, Mary E. Mootoo, Gregory W. Johnson, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris, Prasanna Malaviya, Richard W. Timm, John V. Hunt, Suzanne E. Thompson, Gavin M. Monson, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Christopher J. Schall, Cory G. Kimball, Al Mirel, John F. Cummings, Andrew T. Beckman
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Publication number: 20150265342Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Gary L. Long, Ragae M. Ghabrial, David N. Plescia, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9131987Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, Omar J. Vakharia
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Publication number: 20150148835Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a sleeve. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is configured to move toward the ultrasonic blade. The sleeve extends along at least part of the length of an outer portion of the ultrasonic blade or the clamp arm. The sleeve is configured to prevent tissue from contacting a portion of the ultrasonic blade or clamp arm covered by the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Craig N. Faller, Cory G. Kimball, David J. Cagle, Benjamin D. Dickerson, II, Kristen Denzinger, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Phillip H. Clauda, Ryan M. Asher, Frederick L. Estera, Omar J. Vakharia, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard W. Timm, Richard C. Smith, Paul F. Riestenberg, Wells D. Haberstich, Gregory W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20150119916Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Gregory W. Johnson, Sean P. Conlon, Daniel J. Mumaw, Jerome R. Morgan, William D. Dannaher, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Matthew C. Miller, Galen C. Robertson
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Patent number: 9011431Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Long, Ragae M. Ghabrial, David N. Plescia, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 9005198Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to tissue of a patient includes a handle, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The surgical instrument further includes a first electrode with a first distal portion, a second electrode with a second distal portion, and a third electrode with a third distal portion, wherein each distal portion is configured to contact the tissue. The second distal portion surrounds the first distal portion and the third distal portion surrounds the second distal portion. A first gap is defined between the first distal portion and the second distal portion. A second gap is defined between the second distal portion and the third distal portion. The first electrode includes a sharp end configured to penetrate the tissue and the second distal portion includes a plurality of projections extending toward third distal portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Long, William D. Dannaher, David N. Plescia, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 8979843Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by a linear actuator, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Suzanne E. Thompson, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Hunt
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Patent number: 8961547Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Gregory W. Johnson, Sean P. Conlon, Daniel J. Mumaw, Jerome R. Morgan, William D. Dannaher, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Matthew C. Miller, Galen C. Robertson