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).

  • Publication number: 20200107845
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Rachael L. Kabala, James D. Allen, IV, Thomas E. Drochner, John A. Hammerland, III, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20200107880
    Abstract: A method of treating liver tissue includes progressively grasping liver tissue, applying a first energy to the grasped liver tissue during the progressive grasping to permanently close parenchyma of the liver tissue, fully grasping the liver tissue, and applying a second energy to the fully grasped liver tissue to permanently close large vessels of the fully grasped liver tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, John A. Hammerland, III, Daniel A. Joseph, Rachael L. Kabala
  • Publication number: 20200107876
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a first handle depending therefrom and an elongated shaft. An end effector is included having first and second jaw members each having an electrically conductive plate disposed thereon. The first jaw member includes one or more electrodes disposed at a distal end thereof. A second handle operably couples to the housing and is moveable relative to actuate the jaw members to grasp tissue disposed therebetween. A first switch is activatable to supply electrical energy to the electrically conductive plates to pre-coagulate tissue. A second switch is electrically coupled to the electrode and activatable to provide electrical energy to the one or more one electrodes. A third switch is configured to supply electrical energy to tissue disposed between the electrically conductive plates. An irrigation actuator is operable to selectively supply electrically conductive fluid to the first and second jaw members proximate the electrode(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, Thomas E. Drochner, Rachael Kabala, John A. Hammerland, III, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20200100834
    Abstract: 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 clip 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 tissue harpoon configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an active electrode device and a return electrode attachment configured to releasably engage the active electrode device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: THOMAS E. DROCHNER, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, PRAKASH MANLEY, TONY MOUA, WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, ROBERT H. WHAM
  • Publication number: 20200100835
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: THOMAS E. DROCHNER, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, PRAKASH MANLEY, TONY MOUA, WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, ROBERT H. WHAM
  • Patent number: 10327913
    Abstract: An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant having an engagement surface and an instrument including a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The first member is configured to capture the implant and the second member includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant in at least one orientation relative to the second member. The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith M. Miller, Charles L. Branch, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Kidong Yu
  • Publication number: 20190110899
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: 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, John A. Cowan, Jean-Pierre Mobasser
  • Patent number: 10226353
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: 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, Jean-Pierre Mobasser
  • Publication number: 20190021716
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: 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, John A. Cowan, Jean-Pierre Mobasser
  • Publication number: 20190008659
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: WARSAW OTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20180325575
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: 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: 20180325552
    Abstract: A colpotomy system includes a colpotomy cup that extends to a distal surface and defines a longitudinal axis. The colpotomy system further includes a cutter operably coupled to the colpotomy cup and configured to travel along an arcuate path defined about the distal surface of the colpotomy cup. The cutter actuatable to separate a uterus from a vagina as the cutter rotates about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: JASON G. WEIHE, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, ANSEL DOW, THOMAS E. DROCHNER, STUART R. HART, MICHAEL B. LYONS, SCOTT J. PRIOR, JOHN R. TWOMEY
  • Patent number: 10123884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
  • Patent number: 10105241
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
  • Patent number: 10092412
    Abstract: An interbody endeap comprises at least one member configured for connection with an interbody implant. The at least one member has a thickness that permits bone growth therethrough and a uniform surface configuration that resists and/or prevents egress of bone graft from a cavity of the interbody implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Cristian A. Capote, Anthony J. Melkent, Michael J. Merves, Bret M. Wilfong
  • Publication number: 20180214146
    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: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: SCOTT J. PRIOR, THOMAS E. DROCHNER, MICHAEL B. LYONS
  • Patent number: 9918848
    Abstract: 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. The implant body includes an oblique surface that defines at least one opening disposed in substantial alignment with the at least one cavity. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180036025
    Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: THOMAS E. DROCHNER, DAVID J. VAN TOL, DUANE E. KERR, GARY M. COUTURE, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, ROBERT M. SHARP
  • Publication number: 20180008298
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an attaching device having an end effector disposed at the distal end thereof. The end effector includes a support member, a wrist pivot pivotably coupling the end effector to the attaching device, and first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another and the support member. A first cable is operably coupled to the wrist pivot and configured to articulate the end effector relative to the attaching device. Second and third cables are operably coupled to the jaw members and configured to pivot the jaw members relative to the support member. A first actuation of the second and third cables collectively pivots the first and second jaw members relative to the support member. A second actuation of the second and third cables pivots the first and second jaw members relative to one another and the support member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: THOMAS E. DROCHNER, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, GARY M. COUTURE, WILLIAM H. NAU, JR., ROBERT M. SHARP, DAVID J. VAN TOL
  • Patent number: D882079
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, James P. Duncan