Patents by Inventor Thomas Wenchell

Thomas Wenchell 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: 20110172681
    Abstract: There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Gregg C. Krehel, Thomas Wenchell, Earl M. Zergiebel
  • Publication number: 20110163148
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Publication number: 20110144618
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sheath system for enabling access through an opening in the body of a patient is provided. The sheath system includes a dilation assembly having a radially expandable tubular sheath defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area when in a non-expanded condition, and a handle assembly operatively coupled to a proximal end of tubular sheath, the handle assembly defining an aperture formed therein, and a first thread defined on the handle in the aperture thereof. The sheath system further includes an expansion assembly including a tubular member defining a lumen having a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular sheath of the dilation assembly and having an outer surface defining a second thread, the second thread being arranged for engaging the first thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Richard D. Gresham, Thomas Wenchell, Robert DeSantis
  • Publication number: 20110124972
    Abstract: A unique surgical system and method of use includes a seal assembly which is initially mountable about a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument with mounted seal assembly is thereafter positioned within a cannula assembly. The seal assembly forms a fluid tight seal within the interior of the cannula assembly while also forming a fluid tight seal about the surgical instrument. The seal assembly and the cannula assembly cooperate to permit angulation of the surgical instrument. A magnetic coupling assists in retaining the seal assembly within the cannula assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7934628
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marcyzk, Kenneth H. Whifield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Publication number: 20110095069
    Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Nihir Patel, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7931624
    Abstract: A surgical seal assembly for use with a surgical access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument through the seal housing, a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing and having a gimbal seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of the surgical instrument, and an interface seal disposed within the seal housing. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument whereby the gimbal seal member substantially maintains the sealed reception of the surgical instrument. The interface seal includes an interface seal member extending at least along the longitudinal axis and being in substantial contacting sealing relation with the gimbal mount. The interface seal member is adapted to maintain the sealing relation with the gimbal mount upon angular movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7931660
    Abstract: There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Gregg C. Krehel, Thomas Wenchell, Earl M. Zergiebel
  • Publication number: 20110087075
    Abstract: An insertion device for use during surgical procedure to enlarge an opening in a patient's tissue to facilitate access to an internal treatment site with a surgical instrument. The insertion device includes an anoscope including a flange, and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends extending distally from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The anoscope may include a configuration that is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis that bisects the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Christopher Switalski
  • Patent number: 7896847
    Abstract: A unique surgical system and method of use includes a seal assembly which is initially mountable about a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument with mounted seal assembly is thereafter positioned within a cannula assembly. The seal assembly forms a fluid tight seal within the interior of the cannula assembly while also forming a fluid tight seal about the surgical instrument. The seal assembly and the cannula assembly cooperate to permit angulation of the surgical instrument. A magnetic coupling assists in retaining the seal assembly within the cannula assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7896897
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sheath system for enabling access through an opening in the body of a patient is provided. The sheath system includes a dilation assembly having a radially expandable tubular sheath defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area when in a non-expanded condition, and a handle assembly operatively coupled to a proximal end of tubular sheath, the handle assembly defining an aperture formed therein, and a first thread defined on the handle in the aperture thereof. The sheath system further includes an expansion assembly including a tubular member defining a lumen having a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular sheath of the dilation assembly and having an outer surface defining a second thread, the second thread being arranged for engaging the first thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Richard D. Gresham, Thomas Wenchell, Robert DeSantis
  • Patent number: 7892170
    Abstract: A surgical access system includes a tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having an axial lumen. The tubular member includes a braided material adapted to expand from a first initial condition having a first cross-sectional dimension to a second expanded condition having a second-cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tubular member defines an oblique end surface. An access housing is mounted to the tubular member. The access housing is dimensioned for engagement by the user. A process for manufacturing a surgical access device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Miguel Moreno, Richard D. Gresham, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7891534
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying linear rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device includes an elongated body portion, a tool assembly pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the body portion, a flexible drive assembly, and a support member that is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis The drive assembly is slidably positioned adjacent the support member The support member inhibits outward buckling of the drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Publication number: 20110021881
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing access to a body cavity without substantial loss of inflation gas therein. The apparatus includes an access assembly that has a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an elastic portion interposed the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen therethrough. An anchor sleeve is disposed coaxially over the tubular member and has a radially expandable region. The anchor sleeve is moveable between an axially elongated configuration and an axially shortened configuration and is biased toward the axially shortened configuration by a force exerted by the elastic portion of the tubular member. The axially shortened configuration corresponds to the anchor sleeve being in the fully deployed position. Methods for providing anchored access to a cavity within a patient are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Richard D. Gresham
  • Publication number: 20100312067
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus adaptable to permit the sealed insertion of either the surgeon's hand and/or surgical instruments during laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures includes an access member having a passageway therethrough and first and second seal members mounted across'the passageway. The first seal includes an inner seal portion and an outer seal portion. The inner seal portion has an aperture for substantial sealed reception of an object inserted therein and is arranged about a first seal axis. The outer seal portion includes at least one expansible rib dimensioned to facilitate movement of the aperture to a displaced position radially displaced from the first seal axis upon insertion of the object therethrough. The second seal member also has an inner portion defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of the object and is arranged about a second seal axis radially displaced from the first seal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: David Jensen, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7811251
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing access to a body cavity without substantial loss of inflation gas therein. The apparatus includes an access assembly that has a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an elastic portion interposed the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen therethrough. An anchor sleeve is disposed coaxially over the tubular member and has a radially expandable region. The anchor sleeve is moveable between an axially elongated configuration and an axially shortened configuration and is biased toward the axially shortened configuration by a force exerted by the elastic portion of the tubular member. The axially shortened configuration corresponds to the anchor sleeve being in the fully deployed position. Methods for providing anchored access to a cavity within a patient are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Richard D. Gresham
  • Publication number: 20100222747
    Abstract: An access apparatus for use during a surgical procedure to provide access to the interior of the body includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end for being disposed at an exterior side of the body and a distal end for extending into the interior of the body. The access member has a bore therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an object. A seal is disposed within the bore of the access member. The seal includes a fabric material and an elastomeric material, and defines an internal passageway dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Skott Greenhalgh, David Farascioni
  • Publication number: 20100207046
    Abstract: A valve assembly that includes a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion, the upper and lower body portions defining an internal chamber for accommodating a valve member and a central axis for the valve, the housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet ports formed in the upper and lower body portions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Michael Ross Kessell, Paul Neville Adams, Stephen Lyle Weir, Henry Bolanos
  • Publication number: 20100200639
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Publication number: 20100204641
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided including a disposable loading unit selectively operatively engagable within a distal end of a first half-section; and a wound treatment material applicator assembly for delivering wound treatment material to the target surgical site. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge; a plurality of deployable needles supported within the cartridge, wherein each needle includes a lumen extending therethrough and at least one hole formed in an outer periphery thereof; and an actuation member translatably disposed within the cartridge for delivering a driving force to each needle to deploy the needles from the cartridge. The applicator assembly includes a first and second reservoir supported on the distal end of a respective first and second half-section; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with each reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Wenchell