Surgical Stapler Patents (Class 227/175.1)
  • Patent number: 11950785
    Abstract: An ischemia control device is connected to a control unit that receives inputs from sensors and other surgical devices that senses patient conditions. The control unit uses the data inputs, as well as direct inputs from the medical operators, to output opening and closing instructions to the ischemia control device. The actuator on the ischemia control device receives the opening and closing instructions and manipulates the ischemia control device. The ischemia control device can be automatically operated using the sensed information to intermittently and alternately achieve ischemia of the organs and reperfuse the organs and, thereby, protect the organs from being damaged by the ischemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Ojiro Kitamura, Masato Narisawa
  • Patent number: 11944309
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath and a staple driving mechanism. The end effector includes a staple deck, an anvil, a first staple driver, and a second staple driver. The staple deck defines a plurality of staple openings in at least one annular array. Each staple opening in the plurality of staple openings houses a staple. The anvil is configured to actuate relative to the staple deck to compress tissue between the staple deck and the anvil. The staple driving mechanism is configured to actuate the first staple driver to fire a first staple of the plurality of staples against the anvil. The staple driving mechanism is further configured to actuate the second staple driver independently of the first staple driver to fire a second staple of the plurality of staples against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Brett E. Swensgard, Sol Posada, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11937811
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongate member and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool portion and a body portion including a first portion having a first length, a second portion having a second length, and a third portion having a third length. The first portion is configured to be releasably secured with the elongate member. The second portion is distal of the first portion and dimensioned to be received in the elongate member. The third portion is distal of the second portion. At least the second or third portion is configured to engage the elongate member in a sealing relation. The second length is greater than the first and third lengths. The third portion of the body portion is dimensioned to be flush with the elongate member when the first and second portions are received in the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 11931037
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member movable from an unfired position toward a fired position during a firing stroke, a firing system comprising a motor, and a control system. The firing system is configured to drive the firing member through the firing stroke. The control system is configured to drive the firing member from the unfired position toward the fired position with the firing system, detect a force to fire the firing member toward the fired position, pause advancement of the firing member for a first amount of time, based on the detected force to fire, resume advancement of the firing member after the first amount of time, and pause advancement of the firing member for a second amount of time, wherein the second amount of time is based on the first amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L Harris, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Nicholas J. Ross, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11925348
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an articulation nut, an articulation link, and a drive belt operably coupled to a distal portion of the articulation link. The articulation link has a proximal end portion operably coupled to the articulation nut, such that rotation of the articulation nut results in translation of the articulation link. The drive belt has a distal end portion configured to be operably coupled to a proximal end portion of a surgical loading unit, such that movement of the drive belt articulates the surgical loading unit relative to the adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David Nicholas, Russell Pribanic
  • Patent number: 11925351
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include an articulation mechanism including a ball screw to selectively articulate the jaw assembly relative to an elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Schober, Andrew J. McCarthy, Babak D. Jasemian
  • Patent number: 11918214
    Abstract: A shipping wedge (10) for a staple cartridge includes a body (12), an elongate fin (22), at least one tooth (32), and a knife stop (20). The elongate fin (22) is supported on a bottom surface (16) of the body (12). The tooth (32) extends from the bottom surface (16) on the proximal portion of the body (12) and is positioned to be received within a recess formed in the staple cartridge (102). The knife stop (20) extends from a top surface (14) of the proximal end of the body and is positioned to obstruct movement of a knife bar (122) of the staple cartridge (102) when the shipping wedge (10) is attached to the staple cartridge (102). A sled stop member (26) extends from the bottom surface (16) on the proximal portion of the body (12) of the shipping wedge (10) and is positioned to obstruct movement of an actuation sled of the staple cartridge (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Qianhong Yang, Hui Zhan
  • Patent number: 11911037
    Abstract: A medical device, a stapler, and a rotation locking mechanism, the medical device including a handheld mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and an actuator. The connecting mechanism is connected to the handheld mechanism and the actuator. The handheld mechanism is internally provided with a first rotation locking mechanism and a first transmission mechanism connected to the first rotation locking mechanism. A second rotation locking mechanism matching the first rotation locking mechanism is disposed on the connecting mechanism. When the first transmission mechanism is in a first state, the first rotation locking mechanism and the second rotation locking mechanism are in an unlocked state, such that the connecting mechanism is rotatable. When the first transmission mechanism is in a second state, the first rotation locking mechanism and the second rotation locking mechanism are in a locked state, such that the connecting mechanism is locked, thereby improving surgery safety and surgery efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: EZISURG MEDICAL CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Lin Nie, Xiao Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11903581
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a firing member driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to evaluate the duty cycle of the electric motor and adjust the speed of the firing member based on the detected duty cycle of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Michael J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 11896224
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a staple cartridge for a surgical instrument having a staple and a staple pusher. The staple pusher has a recess forming a pocket in its top surface for receiving at least the backspan of the staple. The pocket is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential supporting element in the staple pusher body to support the backspan. The pocket provides additional vertical space and support for the staple such that a smaller staple cartridge may provide a substantially similar performance as conventional staple cartridges, allowing for a more compact and maneuverable surgical instrument. In addition, the pocket in the staple pusher allows for a staple having a larger bend radius than conventional staples, thereby providing additional support for the staple and minimizing malformation of the staple during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ashley Wellman
  • Patent number: 11890005
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The robotic surgical system comprises an end effector. The method comprises predicting a current speed of the motor, based on a previously detected condition of the robotic surgical system, detecting a condition of the end effector, determining an actual current speed of the motor based on the detected condition, comparing the predicted current speed of the motor to the actual current speed of the motor, and adjusting a speed of the motor based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Sarah A. Worthington, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11883024
    Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven G. Hall, Robert J. Simms, Spencer J. Witte, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Paul Moubarak, William C. Ryle
  • Patent number: 11883019
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising an end effector and a system configured to feed staples into the end effector is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Lauren S. Weaner, Janna B. Volz, Jerome R. Morgan, Sarah A. Worthington
  • Patent number: 11877739
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, medical devices, and methods for closing an opening in a target tissue using hydraulics and/or pneumatics. In some embodiments, a medical device may include an endoscopic device operable to close an opening in a target tissue, and an actuator operable with the endoscopic device, wherein the actuator includes a piston within a chamber. The piston may include a piston head engaged with an interior surface of the chamber, and a piston rod coupled to a tissue engagement component of the endoscopic device, wherein pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun D. Comee, Kathryn Venuto
  • Patent number: 11864747
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 11832814
    Abstract: A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The base also has at least one top surface parallel to the plane, a distal lower cam surface inclined relative to the plane, and at least one distal upper cam surface inclined relative to the plane. The at least one distal upper cam surface is opposed from the distal lower cam surface. The staple driver actuator further includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The rail includes at least one rail cam surface longitudinally spaced apart from the distal upper cam surface, and the rail cam surface is inclined relative to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Anil K. Nalagatla, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11826043
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body including staple formation features is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jordan B. Wong, Shane R. Adams, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 11802609
    Abstract: A handle assembly includes a single-motor transmission assembly for actuating various functions of an attached end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: David A. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11793521
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Brett E. Swensgard, Mark D. Overmyer, Shane R. Adams, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Richard L. Leimbach, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 11793514
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a sensor array is disclosed. In various instances, the sensor array comprises a conductive trace embedded in a cartridge body of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Shane R. Adams, Jason L. Harris, Patrick L. Creamer, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 11793513
    Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed comprising a firing member movable from a proximal position toward a distal position during a firing stroke, a motor configured to drive the firing member toward the distal position, and a control system configured to operate in an open-loop configuration and a closed-loop configuration. In the open-loop configuration, the control system is configured to cause the motor to drive the firing member to a predetermined position between the proximal position and the distal position, determine a time required to drive the firing member to the predetermined position, compare the determined time to a predetermined time, and set a motor velocity of the motor based on the comparison. In the closed-loop configuration, the control system is configured to drive the firing member at the set motor velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Douglas E. Withers, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11793517
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an actuation sled assembly that includes an actuation sled and a knife movably supported on the actuation sled. The tool assembly includes structure for moving the knife in relation to the actuation sled between extended and retracted positions in response to movement of the actuation sled through a staple cartridge of the tool assembly. Movement of the knife moves a cutting edge of the knife in relation to the actuation sled within a tissue gap defined by the tool assembly to impart a degree of vertical motion to the cutting edge of the knife. This enables the tool assembly to leverage micro-serrations on the cutting edge of the knife to enhance cutting efficiency of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Drew Seils
  • Patent number: 11771454
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firing member translatable proximally and distally along a longitudinal axis between a stroke begin position to a stroke end position distal of the stroke begin position; a knife coupled to the firing member; and a motor coupled to the firing member to translate the firing member between the stroke begin position and the stroke end position. A control circuit may receive a firing signal and begin a firing member stroke by providing an initial motor setting to the motor. The control circuit may maintain the initial motor setting for an open-loop portion of the firing member stroke. The control circuit may receive firing member motion data describing a motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke and may select a firing control program based at least in part on the motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brett E. Swensgard, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11759207
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a jaw assembly including a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. A drive assembly is translatable through the jaw assembly to effect the clamping and stapling of tissue. The drive assembly includes a clamping member and an adjustment member. The clamping member includes a first clamping surface configured to engage the anvil assembly. The adjustment member includes a second clamping surface configured to engage the staple cartridge. The first clamping surface is spaced from the second clamping surface to define a clamping height. The adjustment member is moveable relative to the clamping member between a first position and a second position to change the clamping height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11744593
    Abstract: A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method can comprise inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system, receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system, comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge, and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Shane R. Adams, Nicholas J. Ross, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11744583
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument, comprising a shaft, an articulation joint extending distally from the shaft, and an end effector extending distally from the articulation joint. The end effector comprises a jaw, and a staple cartridge seatable in the jaw. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a first antenna. The surgical instrument further comprises a remote power source configured to supply power, a second antenna configured to cooperate with the first antenna when the staple cartridge is seated in the jaw to transmit at least one of the power and a data signal to the staple cartridge, and a tuning electronics package located in a cavity in a proximal portion of the end effector. The tuning electronics package is configured to facilitate a locally tunable wireless transmission of the at least one of the power and the data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Shane R. Adams, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11737751
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed herein. The surgical instrument includes a handheld device and an adapter assembly. The handheld device includes a first drive assembly and a power source. The adapter assembly includes an outer housing that defines an internal cavity configured to accommodate a handheld device. The adapter assembly is configured to establish a sterile barrier around the handheld device. The surgical instrument includes an energy management system configured to extract energy dissipated by the handheld device from the internal cavity without disrupting the sterile barrier. In some aspects, the surgical instrument further includes a plurality of interchangeable end effectors and the adapter assembly includes a drive interface assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin M. Fiebig, Demetrius N. Harris, Patrick G. McElhaney, Jr., Jesse Luo, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11730477
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Patent number: 11723659
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism. An interchangeable battery pack is removably loadable into the power pack for powering the motor. Bearings restrict axial and radial movement of the firing and articulation assembly in the power pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: REVMEDICA, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Wenchell, Jr., C. Robert Satti, III, Peter Nielsen, Jeffrey M. Ott
  • Patent number: 11723662
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an articulatable end effector and a control system that controls the articulation of the end effector and provides feedback to the user of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Nina Mastroianni, Craig P. Siders, Timothy L. Guest, Zhifan F. Huang, Thomas A. Stoughton, Nicholas J. Ross, John Kevin Bruce
  • Patent number: 11717276
    Abstract: An adapter assembly, for connecting a surgical device to an electromechanical handle assembly, includes a cavity and a seal. The cavity is configured to receive a pin connector assembly of an electrical assembly of the electromechanical handle assembly. The seal is disposed at least partially within the cavity and is configured to reduce an amount of fluid able to contact the electrical assembly of the electromechanical handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Valentine, Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11717299
    Abstract: A circular stapling device for performing anastomosis procedures includes an end effector that includes or is adapted to deliver probiotics to an anastomotic site during formation of the anastomosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Miller, Haley E. Strassner, Justin P. Williams
  • Patent number: 11717285
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises a handle and an end effector connected to the handle. The end effector comprises upper and lower opposing jaw members, wherein the upper jaw member comprises a plurality of co-linear, separately actuatable, RF electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11712246
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a powered surgical stapler having a motor unit, a controller. and a stapling assembly having a closure member, a staple driver member, and a knife member. The controller receives a user input that indicates a tissue gap to be defined by the stapling assembly in a closed state. Based on the user input, the controller controls the motor unit to actuate the closure member to transition the stapling assembly to the closed state to define the tissue gap and clamp tissue therein. The controller then controls the motor unit to actuate the staple driver member to drive staples into the clamped tissue. In response to determining that the staple driver member has reached a predetermined longitudinal position, the controller controls the motor unit to initiate actuation of the knife member to cut the clamped tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shane R. Adams, Thomas E. Adams, Nicholas J. Ross, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11701113
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a staple cartridge and at least two independent antenna arrays configured to communicate with the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Ismail Akram, William S. Honey, Edward G. Colby, Helen S. Clubb, Emily R. Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 11696756
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Cappola, Ernie Aranyi
  • Patent number: 11690616
    Abstract: A multi-staple inserter and drill guide, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed therein. The orthopedic staples can also be used in addition to interfragmentary screws to apply further compression of the bone fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Fein, Alexander DelMonaco, Chris Powell
  • Patent number: 11690695
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a tool assembly and a handle assembly. The tool assembly includes a distal portion including a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly movable relative to the distal portion from an open position to a clamped position. The handle assembly includes an approximation mechanism coupled to the anvil assembly and configured to move the anvil assembly from the open position to the clamped position, a force sensor disposed at a distal end of the surgical device, and a controller. The force sensor is configured to sense a change in resistance indicating a force imparted on compressed tissue and on the approximation mechanism. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a force measured by the force sensor and provide an indication of the sensed force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David A. Nicholas, Brian L. Holden
  • Patent number: 11666332
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft, an end-effector, a cutting member, and a control circuit is disclosed. The housing comprises a motor. The end-effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a staple cartridge comprising staples, driver elements, and a sled configured to eject the staples toward the anvil. The sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position through a firing stroke. The cutting member is configured to be advanced distally into the sled by the motor. The control circuit is configured to detect the location of the cutting member, monitor a parameter indicative of a load experienced by the cutting member, determine a threshold value of the parameter based on a portion of the firing stroke, and adjust operation of the motor if the monitored parameter exceeds the determined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11660106
    Abstract: Devices and methods for articulating a distal end of a surgical device are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes an articulation joint that includes both an inner guide and an outer sleeve. The inner guide includes one channel extending therethrough that receives both a cutting mechanism and a closure band. Further, an outer surface of the inner guide, in conjunction with the outer sleeve, can define two additional channels that each receive an articulation band for articulating an end effector coupled to the articulation joint. The outer surface of the inner guide can include a plurality of ribs that also help define the two additional channels. Further, the outer sleeve can include a plurality of slots formed in it to improve flexibility and stability. Additional configurations of articulation joints, and configurations of components of a surgical device, are also provided, as are methods for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Randolph C. Stewart, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 11660163
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including an end effector operable to treat tissue, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, and a housing assembly extending proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor-assembly compartment including a motor assembly interchangeably retained by the motor-assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor-assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to drive the end effector to treat the tissue and an RFID tag detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor-assembly information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin M. Fiebig
  • Patent number: 11653918
    Abstract: A powered surgical stapling assembly comprising a motor, an end effector, a sensor, a display, and a control circuit is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw. The end effector is configured to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The sensor is configured to measure a parameter of the tissue clamped within the end effector. The control circuit is configured to monitor the parameter sensed by the sensor and identify when the monitored parameter stabilizes within a stabilization range. The monitored parameter is considered stable when a rate at which the monitored parameter changes falls below a predetermine threshold rate of change. The control circuit is further configured to display to a user when the parameter stabilizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11642125
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system for deploying staples from a staple cartridge into tissue is disclosed. The surgical robotic system comprises an end effector, a drive system, a user interface, and a control circuit. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw from an open configuration toward a closed configuration. The drive system is configured to effect a motion at the end effector. The drive system comprises a motor and a drive member. The control circuit is configured to activate the drive system to effect the motion at the end effector, monitor a current draw of the motor, pause the drive system intermediate the effected motion at the end effector based on the current draw of the motor, restart the drive system to continue the effected motion at the end effector, and cause the user interface to provide feedback to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Patent number: 11627962
    Abstract: A surgical stapler body, a cartridge, a surgical stapler and a control method for the surgical stapler. The surgical stapler body includes an identification part capable of identifying information in a storage part that is connected to the cartridge assembly and capable of storing information of the cartridge assembly, the surgical stapler body further comprises a control unit capable of analyzing information stored in the storage part and sending an instruction, a power part capable of providing a power source for the surgical stapler body, and a driving part capable of driving the cartridge assembly to be closed. On the one hand, it is ensured that the driving part can drive the firing rod to move stably, so as to avoid a large vibration caused by manually operating the firing rod to influence the stitching, and reduce medical risk of human misoperation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: B. J. ZH. F. PANTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qing Liu, Xiaoqiang Chen, Libo Liu, Xuelan Yang
  • Patent number: 11622763
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11617578
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a surgical instrument, particularly, a surgical stapling instrument provides significant mechanical advantages by increasing the length of the firing stroke of the surgical instrument while reducing the degree of movement of the trigger associated with the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism also reduces the forces required to actuate the trigger thereby enhancing usability and minimizing operator fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jeevan Maddur Shankar Setty, Sabastian Koduthully George, Syed Sarfraz Ahamed, Anant Tiwari
  • Patent number: 11617583
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a toothed rack, a movable handle member, a driving pawl configured to engage the toothed rack and advance the toothed rack in a linear distal direction in response to a movable handle member advancing in a proximal direction and a latch configured to engage the toothed rack and advance the toothed rack in a linear proximal direction in response to the movable handle member advancing in a distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Lexington Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gonen Somekh, Anton Agafonov, Andrew Marecki
  • Patent number: 11617580
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism. An interchangeable battery pack is removably loadable into the power pack for powering the motor. Bearings restrict axial and radial movement of the firing and articulation assembly in the power pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: RevMedica, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Wenchell, Jr., C. Robert Satti, III, Peter Nielsen, Jeffrey M. Ott
  • Patent number: 11612396
    Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hardik Kabaria, Farhad Javid
  • Patent number: 11612393
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV