Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Drochner
Thomas E. Drochner 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: 12636066Abstract: An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic blade. A jaw member is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position. The jaw member includes a structural body. The structural body defines a first side facing the ultrasonic blade and a second side facing away from the ultrasonic blade. A jaw liner is engaged with the first side of the structural body such that the jaw liner contacts the ultrasonic blade when the jaw member is in the approximated position. An electrode is engaged with the second side of the structural body. The electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The electrode defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the electrode is in contact with the structural body and the second portion of the electrode tapers to a pointed edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 26, 2026Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Patent number: 12564418Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft, and a transducer assembly disposed at least partially within the elongated shaft. The end effector includes a jaw and an ultrasonic blade. The jaw is configured to pivot relative to the ultrasonic blade from an open position to a clamping position for clamping tissue therebetween. The transducer assembly is distally-spaced from the housing and includes proximal and distal transducers interconnected by a connector. The ultrasonic blade is connected to the distal transducer such that ultrasonic energy produced by the proximal transducer is transmitted along the connector and the distal transducer to the ultrasonic blade and such that ultrasonic energy produced by the distal transducer is transmitted to the ultrasonic blade.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 3, 2026Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Matthew S. Cowley, Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Michael B. Lyons, James R. Fagan
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Patent number: 12514606Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating tissue includes an articulating elongated shaft (14), a drive shaft (124) extending through the elongated shaft and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the drive shaft, and an end effector assembly (100) coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector assembly includes a jaw member (110) and a blade member (112) configured to oscillate in response to a rotation of the drive shaft (124) to treat tissue disposed between the jaw member and the blade member.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: January 6, 2026Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Publication number: 20250281198Abstract: An articulating ultrasonic surgical end effector for use with a hand-held surgical instrument or a robotic surgical system includes an articulation assembly, a clevis operably coupled to the articulation assembly, and a transducer assembly pivotably coupled to the clevis. The transducer assembly includes a transducer housing and an ultrasonic transducer and a waveguide disposed within the transducer housing. The waveguide is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and extends distally from the ultrasonic transducer. The transducer assembly also includes an ultrasonic blade disposed at the distal end of the waveguide and extending from the transducer housing and a clamp arm pivotably coupled to the transducer housing and movable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a clamping position. Ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer is transmitted along the waveguide to the ultrasonic blade for treating tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2025Publication date: September 11, 2025Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Patent number: 12310615Abstract: An articulating ultrasonic surgical end effector for use with a hand-held surgical instrument or a robotic surgical system includes an articulation assembly, a clevis operably coupled to the articulation assembly, and a transducer assembly pivotably coupled to the clevis. The transducer assembly includes a transducer housing and an ultrasonic transducer and a waveguide disposed within the transducer housing. The waveguide is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and extends distally from the ultrasonic transducer. The transducer assembly also includes an ultrasonic blade disposed at the distal end of the waveguide and extending from the transducer housing and a clamp arm pivotably coupled to the transducer housing and movable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a clamping position. Ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer is transmitted along the waveguide to the ultrasonic blade for treating tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Publication number: 20250057563Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector, the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2024Publication date: February 20, 2025Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: James R. R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Michael B. Lyons
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Patent number: 12220327Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
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Patent number: 12161355Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Michael B. Lyons
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Publication number: 20240225684Abstract: A surgical system includes a processor and a surgical instrument having an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade operably coupled to an ultrasonic transducer for receiving ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer, and a jaw member pivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue between the ultrasonic blade and the jaw member. The end effector assembly is configured to be activated in an ultrasonic state, in a bipolar state, and in a monopolar state. The processor is configured to determine a use profile of the surgical instrument upon activation of the surgical instrument and, based on the determined use profile, to initiate at least one of the ultrasonic state, the bipolar state, or the monopolar state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn S. Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20240225717Abstract: A surgical end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member. The blade is adapted to receive ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy and defines a distal face. The jaw member is movable relative to the blade from a spaced-apart to an approximated position for clamping tissue and includes a structural body having a body portion and a distal cap portion. The distal cap portion defines an electrode that receives electrosurgical energy. The jaw member further includes a jaw liner engaged within the body portion and extending therefrom towards the blade such that, in the approximated position, the jaw liner contacts the blade to define a gap distance between the electrode and the distal face to facilitate bipolar electrosurgical tissue treatment upon conduction of bipolar energy between the electrode and the distal face and through tissue in contact therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: July 11, 2024Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn S. Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20240156512Abstract: An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic blade. A jaw member is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position. The jaw member includes a structural body. The structural body defines a first side facing the ultrasonic blade and a second side facing away from the ultrasonic blade. A jaw liner is engaged with the first side of the structural body such that the jaw liner contacts the ultrasonic blade when the jaw member is in the approximated position. An electrode is engaged with the second side of the structural body. The electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The electrode defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the electrode is in contact with the structural body and the second portion of the electrode tapers to a pointed edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: May 16, 2024Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20240156516Abstract: An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic blade adapted to receive ultrasonic energy from a source of ultrasonic energy to vibrate the ultrasonic blade. A jaw member is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for clamping tissue. A jaw liner is engaged with the jaw member such that the jaw liner contacts the ultrasonic blade when the jaw member is in the approximated position. The ultrasonic blade is adapted to receive electrosurgical energy from a source of electrosurgical energy. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal tip. The distal tip of the ultrasonic blade is configured to direct electrosurgical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20240130778Abstract: A surgical end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member. The blade is adapted to receive ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy and defines a distal face. The jaw member is movable relative to the blade from a spaced-apart to an approximated position for clamping tissue and includes a structural body having a body portion and a distal cap portion. The distal cap portion defines an electrode that receives electrosurgical energy. The jaw member further includes a jaw liner engaged within the body portion and extending therefrom towards the blade such that, in the approximated position, the jaw liner contacts the blade to define a gap distance between the electrode and the distal face to facilitate bipolar electrosurgical tissue treatment upon conduction of bipolar energy between the electrode and the distal face and through tissue in contact therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn S. Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
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Patent number: 11903636Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue guard configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return specimen bag configured to connect to the return electrode port.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Dylan R. Kingsley, Prakash Manley, Tony Moua, William E. Robinson, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20240008889Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Patent number: 11766275Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Publication number: 20230284870Abstract: An energy-based surgical system includes at least one electrosurgical instrument and an endoscope configured to capture video data of a surgical site including the at least one energy instrument. The system also includes an endoscope controller configured to process the video data to determine contextual data pertaining to one of the surgical site or the at least one energy instrument. The system further includes an energy generator coupled to the at least one energy instrument, the energy generator configured to output energy to the at least one energy instrument and to control energy based on the contextual data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2021Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Christopher T. Brown, Joe D. Sartor, Jing Zhao, Thomas E. Drochner
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Patent number: 11730467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Scott J. Prior, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons
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Publication number: 20230240702Abstract: An ultrasonic end effector includes a substantially cylindrical blade and a jaw including a structural body and a jaw liner. The jaw is movable from an open to a clamping position, wherein the blade-facing surface of the jaw liner opposes the blade with the first and second blade-facing surfaces of the structural body disposed on either side of the jaw liner and the blade. The blade defines a first longitudinal axis and a first radius, the first and second blade-facing surfaces of the structural body cooperate to define a second radius centered on a second longitudinal axis, and the blade-facing surface of the jaw liner defines a third radius centered on a third longitudinal axis. The first radius and the second radius of curvature are different from one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Matthew S. Cowley, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, James R. Fagan
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Patent number: D1004086Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, James P. Duncan