Patents by Inventor Scott J. Prior

Scott J. Prior 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).

  • Publication number: 20200367932
    Abstract: A tissue guard includes a body defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen extending through the body between the open proximal end and the open distal end. The tissue guard further includes a lip extending radially outwardly from the open proximal end of the body. The lip includes a plurality of spaced-apart cut-outs defined about the outer circumference of the lip to define a plurality of tabs of the lip. Each tab includes an outer edge segment. The body and the lip are monolithically formed as a single piece of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Saumya Banerjee, Christopher M. Meehan, George S. Matta, Amy L. Kung, Scott J. Prior, Matthew A. Dinino
  • Publication number: 20200352597
    Abstract: A removable seal assembly configured to engage an access device includes a body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The proximal portion defines an annular distally-oriented surface and the distal portion defines an annular proximally-oriented surface. The body is configured for positioning within an access device such that the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface engage opposing surfaces of the access device therebetween. An O-ring disposed about the body between the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface. The O-ring is configured to establish a fluid tight-seal between the body and the access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, GEORGE S. MATTA, SCOTT J. PRIOR, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, AMY L. KUNG
  • Publication number: 20200352560
    Abstract: A tissue closure system for closing vaginal tissue includes a tissue closure device having an end effector supporting one or more sutures securable to vaginal tissue. The one or more sutures may be separated from the end effector and tied to the vaginal tissue. The tissue closure system may include a tissue approximation device configured to apply negative pressure to vaginal tissue for approximating portions of the vaginal tissue together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20200352551
    Abstract: A specimen containment device includes an actuation assembly, a bag assembly, a bag locking mechanism, and an articulation locking mechanism. The actuation assembly includes a handle assembly, an elongated member, a release rod, and a holding assembly. The bag locking mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and enables the actuation assembly to selectively retain the bag assembly. The articulation locking assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is configured to selectively lock the holding assembly in a first position where at least a portion of the holding assembly is disposed along a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, JUSTIN J. THOMAS, MATTHEW A. DININO, ROY J. PILLETERE, GEORGE S. MATTA, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, AMY L. KUNG, SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Patent number: 10792057
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly extending from the outer shaft, an actuator associated with the housing, and an articulation mechanism operably coupled between the actuator and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation block supporting the end effector assembly thereon and is rotatable between first and second orientations to articulate the end effector assembly. A spring biases the articulation block towards the second orientation. An actuation sleeve is slidable relative to the articulation block, in response to actuation of the actuator, from an engaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is disposed about and retains the articulation block in the first orientation, to a disengaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is spaced from the articulation block such that the articulation block rotates to the second orientation to articulate the end effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Nikolai D. Begg
  • Patent number: 10792023
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A drive shaft operably couples to the first actuator and includes a link disposed at a distal end thereof that operably couples to the end effector assembly. The drive shaft is movable via actuation of the first actuator from a first position wherein the end effector assembly and link are retracted within the outer shaft to a second position wherein the end effector assembly and link are fully exposed from the outer shaft. The link includes a biasing member that, once the link is fully exposed, articulates the end effector assembly to a position to engage tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Publication number: 20200289159
    Abstract: A system for removal of a tissue specimen from an internal body cavity includes a cannula arrangement having an access cannula including a first elongated tubular member, a deployment cannula including a second elongated tubular member configured for insertion into the first lumen, a deployment plunger including a proximal base and a plurality of engagement arms extending distally from the proximal base, and an inner cannula including a third elongated tubular member. The system further includes a containment bag selectively deployable from the cannula arrangement. Distal advancement of the deployment cannula relative to the access cannula deploys a first portion of the containment bag from the cannula arrangement, and distal advancement of the deployment plunger relative to the deployment cannula and the access cannula deploys a second portion of the containment bag from the cannula arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Nikolai D. Begg, Danial P. Ferreira, Paul D. DiCesare, Walter S. Shunaula
  • Patent number: 10751044
    Abstract: A tissue closure system for closing vaginal tissue includes a tissue closure device having an end effector supporting one or more sutures securable to vaginal tissue. The one or more sutures may be separated from the end effector and tied to the vaginal tissue. The tissue closure system may include a tissue approximation device configured to apply negative pressure to vaginal tissue for approximating portions of the vaginal tissue together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons
  • Patent number: 10675058
    Abstract: A system for removal of a tissue specimen from an internal body cavity includes a cannula arrangement having an access cannula including a first elongated tubular member, a deployment cannula including a second elongated tubular member configured for insertion into the first lumen, a deployment plunger including a proximal base and a plurality of engagement arms extending distally from the proximal base, and an inner cannula including a third elongated tubular member. The system further includes a containment bag selectively deployable from the cannula arrangement. Distal advancement of the deployment cannula relative to the access cannula deploys a first portion of the containment bag from the cannula arrangement, and distal advancement of the deployment plunger relative to the deployment cannula and the access cannula deploys a second portion of the containment bag from the cannula arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Nikolai D. Begg, Danial P. Ferreira, Paul C. Di Cesare, Walter S. Shunaula
  • Patent number: 10667800
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom and that defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position of the end effector assembly. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A second actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to move a four-bar articulation mechanism including first, second and third movable links and a stationary link coupled together by respective first, second and third pivots. Actuation of the second actuator moves the first link distally which forces the second and third links to rotate in opposing directions about the first and second pivots which, in turn, forces at least one of the first or second links against the end effector assembly to articulate the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 10639044
    Abstract: A ligation clip module including a module housing that is compressible from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition. The module housing includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therethrough. The ligation clip module further includes a pusher slidably disposed in the lumen of the module housing and a ligation clip disposed in the proximal portion of the module housing at a location distal of the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 10517585
    Abstract: A suture passer includes a handle, an elongated sleeve defining a distal end, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second arms, at least one which is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for retaining a portion of a suture therebetween. The inner shaft and elongated sleeve are relatively movable between a first condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is exposed, a second condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is shielded, and a third condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Jr., Gregory F. Tebbe
  • Publication number: 20190380700
    Abstract: A surgical device for closing a vaginal cuff includes a handle having an elongated shaft and a plurality of needles disposed therein. Each needle includes a suture anchor at a distal end thereof having a suture engaged therewith. An anvil is disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A cutting mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is configured to cut tissue upon actuation thereof. A firing mechanism is operably associated with the handle and is movable between an unactuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors remain retained within the elongated shaft, an actuated position wherein the plurality of needles and suture anchors deploy from the elongated shaft through the cervical tissue, and a reverted position wherein the plurality of needles retract leaving the plurality of suture anchors and sutures engaged with the cervical tissue for tying off the vaginal cuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventor: SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20190374212
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A drive shaft operably couples to the first actuator and includes a link disposed at a distal end thereof that operably couples to the end effector assembly. The drive shaft is movable via actuation of the first actuator from a first position wherein the end effector assembly and link are retracted within the outer shaft to a second position wherein the end effector assembly and link are fully exposed from the outer shaft. The link includes a biasing member that, once the link is fully exposed, articulates the end effector assembly to a position to engage tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventor: SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20190357906
    Abstract: A suture grasper for retrieving a suture from an internal surgical site includes an inner shaft defining a tissue-penetrating tip, an intermediate shaft disposed about the inner shaft, and an outer shaft disposed about the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft defines a plurality of spring fingers movable between a spread position, wherein the spring fingers extend radially outwardly from the inner shaft, and a compressed position, wherein the spring fingers are approximated about the inner shaft. The outer shaft is selectively translatable relative to the inner shaft and the intermediate shaft for moving the spring fingers between the spread position and the compressed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Justin Williams, Christopher W. Kaswer, Eric Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190343499
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom and that defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position of the end effector assembly. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A second actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to move a four-bar articulation mechanism including first, second and third movable links and a stationary link coupled together by respective first, second and third pivots. Actuation of the second actuator moves the first link distally which forces the second and third links to rotate in opposing directions about the first and second pivots which, in turn, forces at least one of the first or second links against the end effector assembly to articulate the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventor: SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20190336117
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly extending distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position, a tissue specimen bag supported on the end effector assembly and including an open end extending between proximal and distal end portions of the end effector assembly, a cinch loop disposed about the open end of the tissue specimen bag, and a distal cinch tab. The distal cinch tab is disposed at the distal end portion of the end effector assembly and extends from the open end of the tissue specimen bag. The distal cinch tab is operably coupled to the cinch loop such that pulling the distal cinch tab distally relative to the cinch loop constricts the cinch loop about the open end of the tissue specimen bag to cinch the open end of the tissue specimen bag closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventor: SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20190321018
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes a tubular body defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the tubular body, and a specimen bag affixed to a support mechanism at the distal portion of the inner shaft. In embodiments, the specimen bag has an opening capable of being closed by linkage assembly after placement of tissue therein, but prior to removal of the device from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 10426472
    Abstract: A suture grasper for retrieving a suture from an internal surgical site includes an inner shaft defining a tissue-penetrating tip, an intermediate shaft disposed about the inner shaft, and an outer shaft disposed about the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft defines a plurality of spring fingers movable between a spread position, wherein the spring fingers extend radially outwardly from the inner shaft, and a compressed position, wherein the spring fingers are approximated about the inner shaft. The outer shaft is selectively translatable relative to the inner shaft and the intermediate shaft for moving the spring fingers between the spread position and the compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Justin Williams, Christopher W. Kaswer, Eric Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190290301
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly extending from the outer shaft, an actuator associated with the housing, and an articulation mechanism operably coupled between the actuator and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation block supporting the end effector assembly thereon and is rotatable between first and second orientations to articulate the end effector assembly. A spring biases the articulation block towards the second orientation. An actuation sleeve is slidable relative to the articulation block, in response to actuation of the actuator, from an engaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is disposed about and retains the articulation block in the first orientation, to a disengaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is spaced from the articulation block such that the articulation block rotates to the second orientation to articulate the end effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: SCOTT J. PRIOR, NIKOLAI D. BEGG