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).
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20230210585Abstract: A colpotomy system includes an energy source and a uterine manipulator that is electrically coupled to the energy source. The uterine manipulator supports a colpotomy cup and extends to a conductive distal tip portion. The colpotomy cup includes a conductive surface. One or both of the conductive distal tip portion and the conductive surface of the colpotomy cup are configured to return monopolar energy to the energy source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Nikolai D. Begg, Jason G. Weihe, James D. Allen, IV, Ansel Dow, Thomas E. Drochner, Stuart R. Hart, Michael B. Lyons, Scott J. Prior, John R. Twomey
-
Publication number: 20230172628Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Matthew S. Cowley, Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Michael B. Lyons, James R. Fagan
-
Publication number: 20230149064Abstract: A surgical system includes a fluid source, an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic waveguide coupled to and extending distally from the ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic blade disposed at a distal end of the ultrasonic waveguide and configured to receive ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer and transmitted along the ultrasonic waveguide to vibrate the ultrasonic blade for treating tissue therewith. The ultrasonic blade is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy to tissue to treat tissue. The ultrasonic blade defines a lumen extending at least partially therethrough to at least one opening. The lumen is configured for fluid communication with a fluid source to enable the delivery of fluid from the fluid source through the lumen and out the at least one opening into a surgical site to facilitate electrosurgical tissue treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Kenlyn S. Bonn, James R. Fagan, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol
-
Publication number: 20230129956Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer supported by a housing and an elongated assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated assembly includes a jaw and a waveguide coupled to the transducer and defining a blade having upper and lower tissue-contacting surface and first and second lateral surfaces disposed therebetween that are coated with a material. The jaw is pivotable relative to the blade and includes a structural base having a backspan and first and second uprights extending from the backspan. The jaw further includes a jaw liner supported within the structural base and positioned to oppose the upper tissue-contacting surface with the first and second uprights disposed on either side of the blade. In an ultrasonic mode, ultrasonic energy produced by the transducer is transmitted along the waveguide to the blade. In an electrosurgical mode, electrosurgical energy is conducted between the blade and the first and second uprights.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2021Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Michael B. Lyons, Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, James D. Allen, IV
-
Publication number: 20230098378Abstract: An articulating surgical end effector includes an expandable pivot defined at a distal end of an ultrasonic waveguide, a socket at least partially receiving the expandable pivot within an interior volume thereof, and a blade extending distally from the socket. The socket is configured to articulate about the expandable pivot in any direction, and the expandable pivot and socket together are configured to enable ultrasonic energy transmission through the ultrasonic waveguide to the blade in any articulated position of the socket relative to the expandable pivot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
-
Publication number: 20230095787Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce a first mode of ultrasonic energy and a waveguide coupled to the transducer. The waveguide includes a proximal body portion coupled to and extending distally from the transducer. The proximal body portion is configured to receive the first mode of ultrasonic energy from the transducer for transmission therealong. The waveguide further includes a distal body portion, a blade extending distally from the distal body portion, and an articulation portion interconnecting the proximal and distal body portions. The articulation portion is configured to enable articulation of the distal body portion relative to the proximal body portion, to receive the first mode of ultrasonic energy from the proximal body portion, convert the first mode of ultrasonic energy into a second mode of ultrasonic energy, and transmit the second mode of ultrasonic energy along the distal body portion to the blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
-
Patent number: 11612403Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a first handle and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes first and second jaw members, the first jaw member including a staple cartridge configured to house a series of staples therein. A second handle is operably coupled to the housing and is selectively moveable relative to the first handle to actuate the first and second jaw members between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue. A first switch is activatable to supply energy to one of the jaw members. A stapler mode switch is actuatable between an unactuated position wherein movement of the second handle moves the jaws to the second position and an actuated position wherein movement of the second handle moves the jaws to the second position and drives the staples through tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Rachael L. Kabala, James D. Allen, IV, Thomas E. Drochner, John A. Hammerland, III, Daniel A. Joseph
-
Publication number: 20230070961Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
-
Publication number: 20230056953Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating tissue includes an articulating elongated shaft (14), a drive shaft (28) 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 rotate in response to a rotation of the drive shaft to treat tissue disposed between the jaw member and the blade member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
-
Publication number: 20230053012Abstract: 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: March 2, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
-
Publication number: 20220409232Abstract: A surgical system includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer supported by the housing, an end effector assembly distally-spaced from the housing, a clamp lever, and a sensor. The end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade operably coupled to the ultrasonic transducer for receiving ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer, and a jaw member pivotable relative to the blade from an open position towards a clamping position for clamping tissue between the jaw member and the blade and imparting a clamping force to the clamped tissue. The clamp lever is operably coupled to the housing and the jaw member such that actuation of the clamp lever relative to the housing pivots the jaw member towards the blade. The sensor is configured to sense whether the clamp lever is sufficiently actuated so as to impart the clamping force to the clamped tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, David J. Van Tol, Michael B. Lyons
-
Publication number: 20220323232Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, JR., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
-
Patent number: 11446154Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, Jr., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
-
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