Patents by Inventor Thomas Eagan

Thomas Eagan 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: 20260144537
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. An illustrative device includes a housing defining an arced needle track therein, the arced needle track having a first end and a second end separated by a gap in the housing configured to receive a tissue segment to be sutured, the arced needle track being configured to receive an arced needle therein. The device further includes a needle drive configured to drive the arced needle along the arced needle track in a first rotational direction, the needle drive being configured to releasably engage the arced needle and advance the arced needle along the arced needle track in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2025
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Publication number: 20260090797
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. An illustrative device includes a housing defining an arced needle track therein having a first end and a second end separated by a gap defined in the housing to receive tissue to be sutured. The arced needle track is configured to receive an arced needle therein. The housing further defines an arced guide track therein to receive a guide. The device further includes a guide slidably disposed in the arced guide track displaceable between a first position along the guide track and a second position along the guide track. The guide includes a pawl to releasably engage the arced needle. The device further includes a filament operably coupled to the guide. The filament traverses a pathway from a proximal end of the housing toward a distal end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 12453575
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2025
    Assignee: Freyja Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20240285304
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11986179
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 11925381
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Freyja Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20240050086
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Publication number: 20220249117
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11331117
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Freyja Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20210322049
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue extraction device may include a bag having an interior and a plurality of cutters elements extending along an interior surface of the bag. The cutters can be offset to facilitate collapsing of the bag prior to introducing the bag into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: James Bleck, John Aho, Thomas Eagan, Jonathan Towle, Mark Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20210161522
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 10881392
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 10792031
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 10401979
    Abstract: An adjustable mouse includes a base and a thumb adjustment assembly coupled to the base. The thumb adjustment assembly is configured to move a thumb rest portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The adjustable mouse further may include a palm rest portion hingedly attached to the base by a hinge adjacent an outer edge of the base. The palm rest portion may have several fingers configured to expand in vertical and lateral directions. Embodiments of the adjustable mouse are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CONTOUR DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Wang, Hanning Lu, ZhiJian Huang, James H. Bleck, William D. Chura, Thomas Eagan, James Saunders, Scott H. Wakefield, Jonathan N. Towle, Changjun Zhao, Andrew David Morgan
  • Publication number: 20190209161
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Publication number: 20180256156
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 9962151
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Patent number: 9775600
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Publication number: 20170265855
    Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
  • Publication number: 20170192536
    Abstract: An adjustable mouse includes a base and a thumb adjustment assembly coupled to the base. The thumb adjustment assembly is configured to move a thumb rest portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The adjustable mouse further may include a palm rest portion hingedly attached to the base by a hinge adjacent an outer edge of the base. The palm rest portion may have several fingers configured to expand in vertical and lateral directions. Embodiments of the adjustable mouse are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wang, Hanning Lu, ZhiJian Huang, Changjun Zhao, James H. Bleck, William D. Chura, Thomas Eagan, James Saunders, Scott H. Wakefield, Jonathan N. Towle