Patents by Inventor Tamara S. Widenhouse
Tamara S. Widenhouse 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: 20210290226Abstract: In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compressible extracellular matrix and a bioabsorbable material dispersed within the extracellular matrix, wherein the bioapsorption of the bioabsorbable material is configured to leave behind channels in the extracellular matrix. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise generation means for generating the ingrowth of tissue into the channels. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise dissolvable wicking members which, when dissolved, can leave behind channels in the tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one rupturable capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Cortney E. Henderson, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Charles J. Scheib, Chunlin Yang, Christopher J. Schall, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Joseph H. Contiliano, Tamara S. Widenhouse, Donna L. Korvick
-
Publication number: 20210259986Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight, Chester O. Baxter, III, Kreena R. Modi, Katherine J. Schmid
-
Publication number: 20210259987Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight, Chester O. Baxter, III, Kreena R. Modi, Katherine J. Schmid
-
Patent number: 11058804Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and staple components are provided having an effective amount of at least matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor being effective to prevent MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degeneration during wound healing in tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20210196936Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing surgical procedures. In general, one or more adjuncts can be used in conjunction with surgical instruments. The adjunct(s) can have medicant(s) thereon and/or therein. The medicant(s) can vary depending on the desired effect of the medicant(s) on surrounding tissue. As a non-limiting example, medicant(s) can be provided to influence hemostasis, inflammation, macrophages, and/or fibroblasts. When used in conjunction with a surgical stapler, the adjunct(s) can be disposed between and/or on jaws of the stapler, incorporated into a staple cartridge disposed in the jaws, or otherwise placed in proximity to the staples. When staples are deployed, the adjunct(s) can remain at the treatment site with the staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Tamara S. Widenhouse
-
Publication number: 20210177417Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and stapler components are provided having a coating thereon that is configured to selectively control an interaction between at least one matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor and an outer surface of the stapler or stapler component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Xintian Ming, Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Patent number: 10987094Abstract: A bowel retractor device comprising a flexible endless collar member, a plurality of discrete first flexible fingers, and a plurality of discrete second flexible fingers is disclosed. The flexible endless collar member comprises an inner wall that defines a central open area. The plurality of discrete first flexible fingers protrude from a first portion of the inner wall. The discrete first flexible fingers are spaced from each other to define a first space therebetween. The plurality of discrete second flexible fingers protrude from a second portion of the inner wall that faces the first portion of the inner wall. Each discrete second flexible finger comprises a second end that extends into a corresponding first space. At least one of the discrete first flexible fingers and at least one of the discrete second flexible fingers each comprise a ball-shaped feature formed on an end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Patent number: 10939911Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and stapler components are provided having a coating thereon that is configured to selectively control an interaction between at least one matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor and an outer surface of the stapler or stapler component.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Xintian Ming, Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20200155822Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing surgical procedures. In general, one or more adjuncts can be used in conjunction with surgical instruments. The adjunct(s) can have medicant(s) thereon and/or therein. The medicant(s) can vary depending on the desired effect of the medicant(s) on surrounding tissue. As a non-limiting example, medicant(s) can be provided to influence hemostasis, inflammation, macrophages, and/or fibroblasts. When used in conjunction with a surgical stapler, the adjunct(s) can be disposed between and/or on jaws of the stapler, incorporated into a staple cartridge disposed in the jaws, or otherwise placed in proximity to the staples. When staples are deployed, the adjunct(s) can remain at the treatment site with the staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Tamara S. Widenhouse
-
Patent number: 10569071Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing surgical procedures. In general, one or more adjuncts can be used in conjunction with surgical instruments. The adjunct(s) can have medicant(s) thereon and/or therein. The medicant(s) can vary depending on the desired effect of the medicant(s) on surrounding tissue. As a non-limiting example, medicant(s) can be provided to influence hemostasis, inflammation, macrophages, and/or fibroblasts. When used in conjunction with a surgical stapler, the adjunct(s) can be disposed between and/or on jaws of the stapler, incorporated into a staple cartridge disposed in the jaws, or otherwise placed in proximity to the staples. When staples are deployed, the adjunct(s) can remain at the treatment site with the staples.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Tamara S. Widenhouse
-
Patent number: 10531929Abstract: A robotic surgical system including a control system that controls the movement of a robotic arm is described. The robotic arm can be coupled to a tool assembly that includes an end effector positioned at a distal end of a shaft. The control system can assist with controlling the movement of the end effector and any tooling (e.g., cutting tool, boring tool, jaws, etc.) associated with the end effector, such as for either cutting through tissue or controlling a tension in the tissue. The tool assembly can include one or more sensors that measure a variety of forces or velocities associated with either the robotic arm or end effector. The control system can collect and monitor such sensed forces and velocities to determine and control one or more appropriate movement parameters associated with the robotic arm thereby controlling the cutting of tissue and preventing unwanted cutting of tissue. Furthermore, movement parameters associated with more than one robotic arm can be controlled by the control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Cortney E. Henderson, Kevin L. Houser, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates
-
Patent number: 10390895Abstract: A robotic surgical system including a control system that controls the movement of a robotic arm is described. The robotic arm can be coupled to a tool assembly that includes an end effector positioned at a distal end of a shaft. The control system can assist with controlling the movement of the end effector and any tooling (e.g., cutting tool, boring tool, jaws, etc.) associated with the end effector, such as for either cutting through tissue or controlling a tension in the tissue. The tool assembly can include one or more sensors that measure a variety of forces or velocities associated with either the robotic arm or end effector. The control system can collect and monitor such sensed forces and velocities to determine and control one or more appropriate movement parameters associated with the robotic arm thereby controlling the cutting of tissue and preventing unwanted cutting of tissue. Furthermore, movement parameters associated with more than one robotic arm can be controlled by the control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Cortney E. Henderson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Tamara S. Widenhouse
-
Patent number: 10349938Abstract: Various exemplary surgical adjuncts with medicants affected by activator materials are provided. In general, an adjunct is provided with at least one medicant that is configured to be activated by an activator material. The adjunct can be delivered to a tissue of a patient, where the adjunct can be implanted. Various activator materials can be configured to activate the at least one medicant retained by the adjunct, the activation causing any one or more of a variety of actions. For example, the at least one medicant can be activated so as to yield at least one of a signal and/or an effect on the adjunct.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Cortney E. Henderson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chad E. Eckert, Michael J. Vendely
-
Patent number: 10285692Abstract: Adjuncts for surgical devices including agonists and antagonists are provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can have two or more medicants releasably disposed therein that are each releasable from the adjunct. At least one of the medicants can include an agonist configured to encourage a physiological response, and at least one of the medicants can include an antagonist configured to discourage the physiological response encouraged by the agonist. The physiological response can include an aspect of wound healing such that the aspect of wound healing may be both encouraged by and discouraged by the adjunct. The adjunct having one or more agonists and one or more antagonists releasably disposed therein can be configured to be applied to tissue by a surgical stapler in conjunction with staples.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Cortney E. Henderson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
-
Patent number: 10188390Abstract: Adjunct material to provide drug elution is a variety of different temporal and/or spatial patterns is provided. In general, a biocompatible adjunct having a plurality of distinct regions is configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of staples in a cartridge body of a surgical stapler. Each of the distinct regions can be disposed at a different location on the adjunct material and can have a different adjunct construction. At least two of the regions releasably retain at least one medicant and each of the at least one medicants is releasable from one of the regions in a non-homogeneous manner with respect to at least one of time of release and location of release.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jason L. Harris, Tamara S. Widenhouse, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20180353180Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and stapler components are provided having a coating thereon that is configured to selectively control an interaction between at least one matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor and an outer surface of the stapler or stapler component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Xintian Ming, Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20180353174Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and staple components are provided having an effective amount of at least matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor being effective to prevent MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degeneration during wound healing in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20180353175Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and staple components are provided having an effective amount of at least one broad spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor being effective to prevent MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degeneration during wound healing in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20180353659Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for promoting wound healing. In general, surgical staplers and staple components are provided having an effective amount of at least matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor being effective to prevent MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degeneration during wound healing in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Patent number: 10111661Abstract: Various exemplary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibiting adjuncts for surgical devices are provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can be configured to be applied to tissue by a surgical stapler in conjunction with staples. The adjunct can have at least one medicant releasably retained therein that is configured to reduce a length of the epithelialization process. In other words, the at least one medicant releasably retained in the adjunct can be configured to speed up an inflammation stage of wound healing and/or a proliferation stage of wound healing and, accordingly, reduce an amount of time before a remodeling stage of wound healing begins. The at least one medicant can be configured to be released along the staple line defined by the staples.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Tamara S. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris