Patents by Inventor Scott F. Alexander

Scott F. Alexander 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).

  • Patent number: 10806507
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Scott F. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20170156787
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: KRISTIN D. JOHNSON, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER
  • Patent number: 9579146
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Scott F. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20160063897
    Abstract: A system for providing medical product support to a client device in an operating room is provided. The system includes a processor and memory associated with the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, configures the processor to receive a product support request from the client device, and transmit a web platform including at least one view to the client device in response to the product support request, the at least one view being configured to present the client device with self-help product support information for at least one medical procedure, and the at least one view further presenting at least one medical product associated with the at least one medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, KEITH D. SIGGINS, MARTIN J. OSBORN
  • Publication number: 20160063896
    Abstract: A system for providing medical product support to a client device in an operating room is provided. The system includes a processor and memory associated with the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, configures the processor to receive a product support request from the client device, transmit a web platform including at least one view to the client device in response to the product support request, the at least one view being configured to present the client device with self-help product support information for at least one medical product or medical procedure, the at least one view including a real-time product support option activatable by a user of the client device to request a real-time product support connection, and the web platform being configured to establish a communication interface with a product support staff member in response to the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, KEITH D. SIGGINS, MARTIN J. OSBORN
  • Patent number: 9072524
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween and conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is selectively deployable relative to the end effector assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, a portion of the monopolar member extends distally from the end effector assembly and the insulative tubular member for applying energy to tissue to treat tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David N. Heard, Tony Moua, Scott F. Alexander, Christopher T. Rusin, Jonathan A. Coe, John J. Kappus, Peter M. Mueller, Raymond A. Sirianne, Kellie F. Payne, William H. Nau, Jr., Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8864761
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Christopher A. Valentine, Scott F. Alexander, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Publication number: 20140296738
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: KRISTIN D. JOHNSON, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, JEFFREY M. ROY, REBECCA J. COULSON
  • Publication number: 20140257283
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: KRISTIN D. JOHNSON, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER
  • Patent number: 8753333
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Scott F. Alexander, Jeffrey M. Roy, Rebecca J. Coulson
  • Patent number: 8734445
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Scott F. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20140094681
    Abstract: A system for navigating a surgical instrument adjacent tissue of interest is provided and includes a magnetic device and a surgical instrument. The magnetic device is positionable within a body of a patient. The surgical instrument includes a magnetic detection device that is operably disposed thereon to detect the magnetic device. The surgical instrument is configured to remove tissue of interest within the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. VALENTINE, KRISTIN D. JOHNSON, BENJAMIN M. CORUM, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN
  • Patent number: 8623004
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through a target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response. The processing unit is configured to identify the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Christopher A. Valentine, Scott F. Alexander, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Publication number: 20140005663
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween and conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is selectively deployable relative to the end effector assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, a portion of the monopolar member extends distally from the end effector assembly and the insulative tubular member for applying energy to tissue to treat tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: DAVID N. HEARD, TONY MOUA, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN, JONATHAN A. COE, JOHN J. KAPPUS, PETER M. MUELLER, RAYMOND A. SIRIANNE, KELLIE F. PAYNE, WILLIAM H. NAU, JR., DUANE E. KERR
  • Patent number: 8617155
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Christopher A. Valentine, Scott F. Alexander, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Publication number: 20130325508
    Abstract: A system for tracking the location and activities of a patient is disclosed. The system includes: a patient location identification device associated with a patient; a patient data server including at least one server application executable on a computer, the patient data server remotely located from the patient location identification device wherein the patient data server and patient location identification device are configured to dynamically communicate with each other through the at least one server application; and a patient medical data file residing in at least one of the patient location identification device or the patient data server, the patient medical data file configured to maintain a plurality of recordable events generated by the patient location identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: KRISTIN D. JOHNSON, STEPHEN J. PACK, SCOTT F. ALEXANDER, DAVID BERLIN, CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN
  • Publication number: 20120059374
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Scott F. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20110277777
    Abstract: A method of treating diverticulitis includes the steps of placing an endoscopic device within a colonic lumen relative to at least one diverticulum and removing undesirable material from the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device. The method also includes the steps of injecting a medicating agent into the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device and sealing the at least one diverticulum from the colonic lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Scott F. Alexander, Kristin D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110277778
    Abstract: A system for preventing recurrence of diverticulitis includes a semi-permeable sleeve configured to be placed within a colonic lumen relative to one or more diverticulum lining the colonic lumen. The system also includes at least first and second collars disposed on opposing ends of the semi-permeable sleeve. The collars are configured to be selectively expanded radially outward to anchor the semi-permeable sleeve within the colonic lumen. The semi-permeable sleeve is configured to prevent permeation of undesirable material from within the colonic lumen into the at least one diverticulum and allow permeation of desirable material from the exterior of the semi-permeable sleeve into the colonic lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Scott F. Alexander, Kristin D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110275952
    Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Christopher A. Valentine, Scott F. Alexander, Ronald J. Podhajsky