Patents by Inventor Richard D. Gresham
Richard D. Gresham 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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Publication number: 20090105635Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical access assemblies and surgical valves or seals of the type adapted to allow the introduction of a surgical instrument or object therethrough. In particular, the surgical access assemblies and seals disclosed herein are adapted to facilitate the insertion, withdrawal, and manipulation of a surgical instrument through the incorporation of a lubricous substance or fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Michael Bettuchi, Stephen R. Paul, Russell Heinrich, Richard D. Gresham, Frank Richard Schiretz, JR., Michael D. Switzer
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Publication number: 20090076464Abstract: A surgical portal assembly includes a portal adapted to provide access to underlying tissue and having a longitudinal opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the portal, and defining proximal and distal ends, and a seal. The seal comprises a gel material and a fabric material mounted relative to the gel material. The seal includes internal surfaces defining a passage for reception and passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. A fabric layer may be mounted adjacent each of proximal and distal surfaces of the seal. The internal surfaces defining the passage of the seal may include the gel material whereby the gel material establishes the sealed relation with the surgical object. The seal includes an inner seal segment which may generally taper in a distal direction to define a general funnel configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Richard D. Gresham
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Publication number: 20090076465Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite surgical seal for use in a surgical access device which defines an access channel through it and includes a seal member configured and dimensioned to form a seal with a housing interior wall of a surgical access device. The seal member includes a layer defining an orifice therethrough and a fabric layer substantially encapsulating the resilient layer such that a surface of the resilient layer which defines the orifice is covered by the fabric layer. The access channel is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of a surgical instrument into the access channel causes the seal member to form a substantial sealing relation with the surgical instrument inserted therethrough. A method of forming a composite surgical seal in accordance with the present disclosure is also provided herewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Danny Berry, Michael Bettuchi, Richard D. Gresham, Steven L. Izzo
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Publication number: 20090008425Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle, an elongated member extending distally from the handle and a fastener applier and anvil head disposed at the distal end of the elongated member. The elongated member defines a distal offset end portion upon which the fastener applier and the anvil head are mounted. The offset end portion is angularly oriented with respect to the axis of the instrument at a predetermined fixed angle (e.g., either 45°, 60° and 75° relative to the axis of the instrument) thereby positioning the fastener applier and the anvil head at the fixed angle This feature facilitates positioning of the tissue with respect to the instrument and enhances visual access to the tissue when appropriately disposed within the fastener applier and the anvil head. Various mechanisms for effectuating the clamping of the tissue between the fastener holder and anvil, and the firing of the instrument are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Frank J. Viola, David C. Racenet, Ernest Aranyi, Richard D. Gresham, Paul A. Scirica, David Farascioni, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Philip C. Roy, Earl Zergiebel
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Publication number: 20080300466Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the reception of a surgical instrument inserted through a cannula assembly. An orifice in a seal member defines a central longitudinal axis in general alignment with the cannula assembly. The seal member includes an elastic member for engaging the surgical object about the orifice and forming a fluid-tight interface. A fiber loop is at least partially embedded in the elastic member and serves to compress central portions of the elastic member around the instrument. The fiber loop may form a loop around the orifice and may cooperate with other fiber loops similarly embedded in the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Richard D. Gresham
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Publication number: 20080287877Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a housing and a cannula member connected to the housing. The cannula member has leading and trailing ends and defines a longitudinal axis. The cannula member further includes a main body, a seal adjacent the leading end and a flexible portion disposed between the main body and the seal. The seal is capable of receiving an instrument therethrough while maintaining a substantial sealed relation with the instrument. The flexible portion is configured to permit movement of the seal relative to the longitudinal axis during manipulation of the endoscopic instrument. The flexible portion of the cannula member may include one or more bellows. The one or more bellows may form a goose neck configuration. Alternatively, the one or more bellows define a series of ridges and grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Richard D Gresham, Robert C. Smith
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Publication number: 20080142566Abstract: This application is directed to a surgical stapling device for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The handle portion includes a rotatable approximation knob for approximating the anvil and shell assemblies and a firing trigger for actuating a firing mechanism for ejecting staples positioned within the shell assembly. The firing trigger forms one link of a two bar linkage provided to actuate the firing mechanism. The anvil assembly includes a tiltable anvil which will tilt automatically after firing of the device and unapproximating the anvil and shell assemblies. The head portion also includes a retractable trocar assembly which is slidably positioned within an anvil retainer and is automatically advanced and retracted upon attachment and detachment of the anvil assembly onto the anvil retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Richard D. Gresham, Scott E. Manzo, Ernest Aranyi, Robert J. Geiste, Bruce K. Jankowski, Keith Milliman
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Publication number: 20080132827Abstract: An insufflation apparatus includes an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end with a sharpened tip, an insufflation housing connected to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve and defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases, and a stylet disposed within the elongated sleeve and defining a passageway to direct the insufflation gases from the port into a body cavity. The stylet is movable between an extended position wherein the distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the stylet is proximal of the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve. A biasing member may be engagable with the stylet so as to bias the stylet toward the extended position. Preferably, the housing has a translucent wall and the stylet is dimensioned so that the proximal end of the stylet is visible through the translucent wall when the stylet is in the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 7329233Abstract: An insufflation apparatus includes an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end with a sharpened tip, an insufflation housing connected to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve and defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases, and a stylet disposed within the elongated sleeve and defining a passageway to direct the insufflation gases from the port into a body cavity. The stylet is movable between an extended position wherein the distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the stylet is proximal of the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve. A biasing member may be engagable with the stylet so as to bias the stylet toward the extended position. Preferably, the housing has a translucent wall and the stylet is dimensioned so that the proximal end of the stylet is visible through the translucent wall when the stylet is in the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventor: Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 7303106Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The head portion includes an anvil assembly including a tiltable anvil which will tilt automatically after the device has been fired and unapproximated. The tiltable anvil provides a reduced anvil profile to reduce trauma during removal of the device after the anastomoses procedure has been performed. The stapling device includes a bulbous indicator which preferably extends above a top surface of the handle assembly of the device. The indicator includes indicia to identify to a surgeon that the device has been approximated and is in a fire-ready position. Preferably, the indicator includes a cover which is formed of a magnification material to prominently display the indicia. The anvil assembly of the stapling device preferably includes a retainer clip positioned on the anvil head.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Keith L. Milliman, Bruce K. Jankowski, Douglas J. Cuny, Kevin Sniffin, Anthony Dato, Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 7234624Abstract: This application is directed to a surgical stapling device for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The handle portion includes a rotatable approximation knob for approximating the anvil and shell assemblies and a firing trigger for actuating a firing mechanism for ejecting staples positioned within the shell assembly. The firing trigger forms one link of a two bar linkage provided to actuate the firing mechanism. The anvil assembly includes a tiltable anvil which will tilt automatically after firing of the device and unapproximating the anvil and shell assemblies. The head portion also includes a retractable trocar assembly which is slidably positioned within an anvil retainer and is automatically advanced and retracted upon attachment and detachment of the anvil assembly onto the anvil retainer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Richard D. Gresham, Scott E. Manzo, Ernest Aranyi, Robert J. Geiste, Bruce K. Jankowski, Keith Milliman
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Patent number: 6945444Abstract: This application is directed to a surgical stapling device for performing circular anastomoses. The stapling device includes a retractable trocar which is slidably supported by an anvil retainer and movable from a retracted position located within the anvil retainer to an advanced position extending from the anvil retainer. The trocar defines a sensor and is operatively connected to an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly is operatively associated with an anvil assembly such that the indicator will not move from a fire-not ready position to a fire-ready position until an anvil assembly has been mounted to the anvil retainer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group, LPInventors: Richard D. Gresham, Scott E. Manzo, Ernest Aranyi, Robert J. Geiste, Bruce K. Jankowski, Keith Milliman
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Publication number: 20040172041Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sheath system for enabling access through an opening in the body of a patient is provided. The sheath system includes a dilation assembly having a radially expandable tubular sheath defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area when in a non-expanded condition, and a handle assembly operatively coupled to a proximal end of tubular sheath, the handle assembly defining an aperture formed therein, and a first thread defined on the handle in the aperture thereof. The sheath system further includes an expansion assembly including a tubular member defining a lumen having a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular sheath of the dilation assembly and having an outer surface defining a second thread, the second thread being arranged for engaging the first thread.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Richard D. Gresham, Thomas Wenchell, Robert DeSantis
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Patent number: 6024748Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument and loading unit for performing an anastomosis of first and second blood vessels. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly. The detachable loading unit includes an anvil releasably engagable with a distal end of the body portion and having a plurality of fasteners disposed in channels about the circumference of a distal end of the anvil. A pusher is slidably mounted over the anvil such that distal movement of the pusher in response to actuation of the handle assembly cams the fasteners between the anvil and a distal end of the pusher to simultaneously crimp the fasteners about tissue. A method of performing an anastomosis is also disclosed and includes positioning a first vessel in the loading unit and partially inserting the first vessel through an opening in a second vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Scott E. Manzo, Richard D. Gresham, Kevin Sniffin, Peter W.J. Hinchliffe
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Patent number: 5980493Abstract: A modular trocar system which includes an obturator assembly, and a cannula assembly defining a longitudinal passageway therethrough configured and dimensioned to slidably receive the obturator assembly, the cannula assembly including a housing which includes a valve assembly and a first mating portion, and a cannula defining a passageway of a predetermined dimension therethrough, the cannula and housing movable alternately between a spaced apart relative orientation and an attached orientation wherein the first and second mating portions are engaged.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Robert C. Smith, Martin J. Nohilly, Marc J. Theroux, Richard D. Gresham, Timothy O. VanLeeuwen
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Patent number: 5967974Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided comprising a frame having first and second portions, a first hook member supported on the frame, a second hook member supported on the frame and movable with respect to the frame, and a frame support supporting the frame. The frame support is adapted to retain the first portion of the frame in a selected raised position with respect to the second portion of the frame. The frame support preferably comprises two elongated shafts having locking mechanisms for locking the frame in the selected raised position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: David A. Nicholas, Richard D. Gresham, Thomas R. Hessler, Patrick Flanagan, Hanspeter R. Bayer
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Patent number: 5895377Abstract: Valve assembly for sealed reception of an elongated object includes a valve body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, an elongated seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the object into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently engage the outer surface of the object in a substantially fluid flight manner, and at least one elongated guard member disposed within the seal member in supporting contact with the inner surface thereof. The guard member is positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Robert C. Smith, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, James Correia, Martin J. Nohilly, Kurt Azarbarzin, Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 5807338Abstract: A modular trocar system is provided which includes an obturator assembly, and a cannula assembly defining a longitudinal passageway therethrough configured and dimensioned to slidably receive the obturator assembly, the cannula assembly including a housing which includes a valve assembly and a first mating portion, and a cannula defining a passageway of a predetermined dimension therethrough, the cannula including a second mating portion disposed thereon, the cannula and housing movable alternately between a spaced apart relative orientation and an attached orientation wherein the first and second mating portions are engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Robert C. Smith, Martin J. Nohilly, Marc J. Theroux, Richard D. Gresham, Timothy O. VanLeeuwen
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Patent number: 5657963Abstract: A seal assembly is provided which includes a housing and resilient first seal member associated with the housing. The first seal member is preferably a gasket having an aperture formed therein for receiving surgical instrumentation adapted to cooperate with a dilating means having an exterior face associated with the housing for dilating the aperture of the gasket. The first seal member and the dilating member are adapted for relative movement therebetween, the first seal member and the dilating member assuming a first position wherein the aperture of the first seal member is spaced from the dilating member and assuming a second position wherein the aperture of the first seal member is stretched around the exterior face of the dilating member. A flexible member may also be provided to help maintain a seal between the first seal member and an instrument inserted therethrough, in particular when the instrument is moved in a transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, Robert C. Smith, Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 5603702Abstract: Valve assembly for sealed reception of an elongated object includes a valve body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, an elongated seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the object into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently engage the outer surface of the object in a substantially fluid flight manner, and at least one elongated guard member disposed within the seal member in supporting contact with the inner surface thereof. The guard member is positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Robert C. Smith, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe, James Correia, Martin J. Nohilly, Kurt Azarbarzin, Richard D. Gresham