Patents by Inventor Robert M. Trusty
Robert M. Trusty 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: 8496574Abstract: A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Gregory J. Bakos, James T. Spivey, Omar J. Vakharia, Dashiell A. Birnkrant, John J. Elliott, Jr.
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Patent number: 8457718Abstract: Medical apparatus is described including a fiducial component and a position sensor. The component is recognizable as at least a part of a fiducial when appearing in image data of a patient. The component is attachable to the patient. The sensor is attachable to the component at a predetermined location and orientation on the component or is capable of being positioned adjacent the fiducial component without attachment thereto at a predetermined location and orientation. A storage medium is described containing a program which instructs the computer to recognize a predetermined shape of each of at least one portion of a position sensor as at least a part of a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient. The position sensor is adapted to provide position data. Medical apparatus which includes the position sensor and the storage medium is also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20130085341Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for manipulating tissue in a body cavity, i.e., in vivo. In general, the methods and devices allow an end effector to engage tissue, be detached from a shaft used to control the end effector to engage the tissue, and then be moved to another location in the body cavity by a separate component, such as an external control unit. In some embodiments the end effector can include one or more deployable hooks that allow the end effector to remain at a surgical site independent of any shafts or external control units. Still further, in other embodiments the end effector can include a transverse bore to allow a second shaft to connect to the end effector to manipulate the tissue. Additional exemplary devices, kits, and methods related to manipulating tissue in vivo are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Robert M. Trusty, James T. Spivey, Christopher J. Hess, Per O. Park, Omar J. Vakharia
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Patent number: 8353487Abstract: An interface system for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments may include a tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide system. The tool docking assembly may comprise one or more tool docking stations for retainingly supporting at least one endoscopic surgical instrument for selective pivotal travel about transverse axes. The system may further include cable attachment arrangements for coupling steering cables from the guide tube assembly to the various tool docking stations.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Omar J. Vakharia, Gregory J. Bakos
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Publication number: 20120191075Abstract: A medical device is disclosed which can be utilized to access a surgical site within a patient. The medical device is equipped with an electronic tether having a connecting member at its free end. The connecting member has a free end and a body portion positioned between the free and the electronic tether. A tip at the free end of the connecting member has a smooth non-piercing leading end and surface contours suitable for engagement with a medical instrument. The body portion of the connecting member having a plurality of conductors, each conductor being separated from the adjacent conductor by one of a plurality of insulating members. At least one conductor transfers power from an external power source to the medical device and at least one conductor transferring information signals from the medical device to an external receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20120116155Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes an optical source for wirelessly transmitting a light based signal transcutaneously and a receiver for receiving the light based signals. The wireless coupling of signals between the optical source and the receiver wirelessly transmits video images from an internal site in a patient to a video monitor or other viewer outside the patient, and may wirelessly transmit control signals from a controller outside of the patient to an instrument inside the patient during a therapeutic or diagnostic surgical procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20120095498Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for allowing a surgical instrument to be supported by a surgical support system configured to controllably guide the instrument to a desired position at surgical site. A surgical support system is provided that includes a guide port defining a pivot point about which a surgical instrument advance therethrough can pivot. The guide port, and hence the pivot point, can be located a distance above a tissue surface through which the instrument is advanced. Methods and devices are also provided for allowing insufflation of a body cavity without introduction of an insufflation fluid therein. A mechanical insufflation device is provided that includes an expandable distal member configured to selectively expand and unexpand to mechanically insufflate a body cavity. The mechanical insufflation device can optionally be used with the surgical support system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, James T. Spivey, Robert M. Trusty, Peter K. Shires, Michael J. Stokes
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Publication number: 20120095449Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for allowing a surgical instrument to be supported by a surgical support system configured to controllably guide the instrument to a desired position at surgical site. A surgical support system is provided that includes a guide port defining a pivot point about which a surgical instrument advance therethrough can pivot. The guide port, and hence the pivot point, can be located a distance above a tissue surface through which the instrument is advanced. Methods and devices are also provided for allowing insufflation of a body cavity without introduction of an insufflation fluid therein. A mechanical insufflation device is provided that includes an expandable distal member configured to selectively expand and unexpand to mechanically insufflate a body cavity. The mechanical insufflation device can optionally be used with the surgical support system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Stefanchik, James T. Spivey, Robert M. Trusty, Peter K. Shires, Michael J. Stokes
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Patent number: 8160678Abstract: A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Thomas W. Huitema, Michael P. Weir, Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs, Jere J. Brophy, Robert M. Trusty, Randal T. Byrum, David C. Youmans, Sean P. Conlon, Gary L. Long, Paul G. Ritchie, Jane A. Sheetz
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Publication number: 20120089093Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed which is intended for use with an access device, such as a trocar, canula or the like, that passes from the outside to the inside of a patient, through an incision in the patient during a minimally invasive diagnostic or surgical procedure to secure one or more tethers, tubes, or the like to the exterior surface of the access device. The sealing device secures one or more tethers in position between the access device and an incision by creating a smooth profile for the access device and tethers and substantially seals against insufflation leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Trusty
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Patent number: 8155728Abstract: A medical system includes a catheter, a sensor, 3-D image data representative of a patient, and a computer. The catheter has a catheter distal end insertable into a natural orifice of a body lumen of the patient. The sensor is disposable proximate the catheter distal end and is adapted to provide position data. The computer is adapted: to receive an indication from a user of a medical target selected for a medical procedure which uses at least the catheter and which is to be performed within the patient; and to indicate to the user position information of the catheter distal end relative to the medical target using at least the 3-D image data and the position data. A storage medium contains a program readable by a computer which instructs the computer to perform the previously described steps. A method for assisting a medical procedure performs the above-described steps.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, Robert M. Trusty
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Patent number: 8062215Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20110152609Abstract: An interface system for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments may include a tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide system. The tool docking assembly may comprise one or more tool docking stations for retainingly supporting at least one endoscopic surgical instrument for selective pivotal travel about transverse axes. The system may further include cable attachment arrangements for coupling steering cables from the guide tube assembly to the various tool docking stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Omar J. Vakharia, Gregory J. Bakos
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Publication number: 20110152878Abstract: Interface systems for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments include at least one surgical tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide tube system. The surgical tool docking assembly may comprise a cable drive assembly that is operably couplable to the cable-controlled guide system for applying control motions thereto. The surgical tool docking assembly may further comprise at least one tool docking station that is configured to support an endoscopic surgical instrument therein for selective pivotal travel about a first axis and a second axis. The tool docking stations cooperate with corresponding drive shafts for imparting rotary drive motions to the cable drive assembly. Various docking arrangements are disclosed for coupling the cable drive assembly to the cable-controlled guide tube assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Omar J. Vakharia, Gregory J. Bakos, Kory A. Gunnerson, Jayson G. Moore
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Publication number: 20110152610Abstract: An intralumenal accessory tip for use with an inner sheath assembly during initial insertion of the inner sheath into a patient. The intralumenal accessory tip is removably attachable to the distal end of the inner sheath assembly and has passages therein to accommodate access tubes and endoscopic tools protruding from the inner sheath assembly. The intralumenal accessory tip may be attached to the distal end of the inner sheath assembly and both assemblies may be inserted into an overtube to permit the inner sheath assembly to be inserted into the patient. The inner sheath assembly may then be withdrawn out of the overtube and the intralumenal tip accessory removed therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Omar J. Vakharia
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Publication number: 20110152612Abstract: A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicants: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Gregory J. Bakos, James T. Spivey, Omar J. Vakharia, Dashiell A. Birnkrant, John J. Elliott, JR.
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Publication number: 20110115891Abstract: An energy consuming module includes an electronic component suitable for use within a body cavity is disclosed. An antenna is coupled to the electronic component to communicate signals. A wireless energy module is coupled to the electronic component. A positioning element is used to locate the electronic component within the body cavity. A housing is used to support the electronic component, the antenna, the wireless energy module, and the positioning element. A system further includes a manipulation module for use external to the body cavity to manipulate the positioning element of the energy consuming module. The manipulation module includes a wireless energy transmitter element to supply energy to the wireless energy module of the energy consuming module, a communication circuit coupled to an antenna to communicate signals between the electronic component and the manipulation module, and a positioning element to locate and position the energy consuming module within the body cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20110112434Abstract: Various surgical devices, kits, and/or methods are provided herein that may be useful in performing a surgical procedure through a natural orifice. Such a surgical procedure may utilize one or more devices, kits, and/or methods to create an access port to a body cavity of a patient, to perform a specific surgical procedure, and to close the access port. In various embodiments, the specific surgical procedure may comprise a sleeve gastrectomy, a ventral hernia repair, a hybrid transgastric cholecystectomy, and/or a hybrid transgastric appendectomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Ragae M. Ghabrial, James T. Spivey, Kurt R. Bally, Duane A. Linenkugel, Gregory J. Bakos, Kempton K. Carroll, II, Omar J. Vakharia, Robert M. Trusty
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Patent number: 7925333Abstract: A method of controlling a medical device is provided. The method includes generating a beam of radiation using a radiation source assembly. The beam of radiation is directed toward a distal end of the medical device using an optical fiber. The beam of radiation is directed onto an area of interest by scanning the reflector in a scanning pattern, the reflector receiving the beam of radiation from the optical fiber. Radiation is collected from the area of interest using a collector to generate a signal for use in producing a viewable image. A loss of scan condition of the reflector is detected automatically by a control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs, Robert M. Trusty
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Publication number: 20100298642Abstract: A guide system for accommodating an endoscopic tool. The guide system comprises a flexible inner sheath and a handle coupled to the inner sheath adjacent a proximal end of the inner sheath. The inner sheath includes a plurality of working channels. The working channels are bundled over a common portion of their respective lengths, and the working channels collectively define a substantially honeycombed cross-sectional area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Gregory J. Bakos, Omar J. Vakharia