Surgical Stapler Patents (Class 227/175.1)
  • Patent number: 10426465
    Abstract: A device for deploying a staple into desired bone has a staple cartridge for retaining a bone staple and a spring-loaded plunger shaft having a distal end proximal to the bone staple, the plunger shaft being retained in a proximal orientation by a latch. Squeezing a trigger releases the latch, so that the plunger shaft moves to its distal position, striking the staple and deploying the staple distally into a bone site. An additional method step, in the event that one wishes to deploy a differently sized staple, involves detaching the staple cartridge from the device and attaching a differently-sized staple cartridge to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell W. Wade
  • Patent number: 10426478
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed. The surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body defining an elongate slot. The surgical staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staple pushers movably supported in the cartridge body for vertical travel therein. Each staple pusher operably supports at least one staple thereon. The surgical staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of movable drivers operably supported in the cartridge body. Each movable driver corresponds to at least one of the staple pushers and includes a camming surface thereon such that when each movable driver is contacted by an axially moving actuator, at least a portion of each of the movable drivers moves laterally away from the elongate slot to bring the camming surface thereon into camming contact with the staple pusher corresponding thereto to thereby move the corresponding staple pusher vertically within the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10426467
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10420618
    Abstract: A surgical system for selective connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument detachably coupled to the instrument drive unit. The instrument drive unit includes first and second actuators and a first translatable member operatively coupled with the first actuator. The surgical instrument includes an adapter portion, an elongate member extending distally from the adapter portion, and an end effector mounted on a distal end of the elongate member. The adapter portion has a first rotatable member operatively associated with the first translatable member. The first rotatable member is rotatable in response to translation of the first translatable member. The end effector is operatively coupled with the first rotatable member, wherein rotation of the first rotatable member effects a first function of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Simon R. Grover, Charles F. Kilby, Daniel L. Fuller, Alistair Ward
  • Patent number: 10420559
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion extending distally from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion supports larger internal components of the device including a lockout assembly adapted to prevent refiring of the stapler to allow the diameter of the small diameter portion of the device to be minimized to facilitate passage of the small diameter portion of the stapler and the tool assembly through an 8 mm trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Stanislaw Kostrzewski, Ernie Aranyi
  • Patent number: 10413294
    Abstract: Shaft assembly arrangements for surgical instruments are disclosed. A surgical instrument assembly can comprise a proximal shaft assembly comprising a distal coupling portion. The surgical instrument assembly can also comprise a distal shaft assembly comprising a proximal coupling portion configured to be releasably coupled to the distal coupling portion. The distal shaft assembly can also include an articulation joint and an end effector configured to articulate about the articulation joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10413298
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to a handle assembly includes first, second, and third drive assemblies configured for converting rotational motion from the handle assembly to linear motion for performing first, second, and third functions. Each of the first, second, and third drive assemblies defining a longitudinal axes, wherein at least two of the longitudinal axes of the first, second, and third drive assemblies are co-axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10405855
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, a firing assembly, a motor, a user input feature, and an electrical circuit. The firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly to drive an annular array of staples through tissue toward the anvil. The motor actuates the firing assembly through an actuation stroke to thereby actuate the stapling head assembly. The electrical circuit includes a trigger switch and an electrical latching feature. The trigger transitions from an open state to a closed state in response to the user input feature transitioning from a non-actuated state to an actuated state. The electrical circuit activates the motor in response to closure of the trigger switch. The electrical latching feature maintains activation of the motor to complete the actuation stroke even if the trigger switch is transitioned back to the open state before completion of the actuation stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: William R. Stager, Matthew H. Bolton, Christopher C. Miller, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10405857
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw comprising a fastener cartridge, and a closing system. The closing system can comprise a closure member configured to engage the first jaw and move the first jaw toward the second jaw. A pivot can pivotably couple the first jaw to the second jaw. The closure member can engage the first jaw at a location which is distal with respect to the pivot. The closure member and the first jaw can include a cam pin/cam slot arrangement which increases the leverage or mechanical advantage that the closure member applies to the first jaw as the first jaw is moved from an open position to a closed position. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first motor configured to operate the closing system and a second motor configured to operate a firing system configured to eject fasteners from the fastener cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Anil K. Nalagatla, John S. Kimsey, Chester O. Baxter, III, Scott A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10405932
    Abstract: Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Overmyer
  • Patent number: 10398433
    Abstract: A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a strain gauge, and a thickness measurement cartridge is disclosed. The first jaw comprises a first jaw undersurface. The first jaw is selectively movable relative to the second jaw. The strain gauge is supported by the second jaw and configured to communicate with a central processing unit configured to calculate thickness of tissue. The thickness measurement cartridge comprising a cartridge body and a pivot formation. The cartridge body is configured to be removably supported in the second jaw such that a tissue contacting surface thereon faces the first jaw undersurface. The pivot formation on the cartridge body facilitated pivotal movement of the cartridge body relative to the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Eugene L. Timperman, Leslie M. Fugikawa
  • Patent number: 10398436
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10390825
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a rotary input shaft and a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument can further comprise a firing shaft that operably interfaces with the rotary input shaft. A firing member is movably supported in one of the first and second jaws. A closure member is in threaded engagement with the rotary input shaft such that rotation of the rotary input shaft in a first direction causes the closure member to move the second jaw to the closed position. The closure member remains in threaded engagement with the rotary input shaft to positively retain the second jaw in the closed position while continued rotation of the rotary input shaft in the first direction drives the firing member from a start position to an end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10383632
    Abstract: A bending control mechanism includes a turning power input mechanism A, a turning transmission mechanism B, a locking mechanism C and a linear power output mechanism D; further, the turning power input mechanism A and the turning transmission mechanism B which are coaxially arranged have a relative rotating angle range in the circumferential direction; the turning power input mechanism A sequentially rotates in an angle I, an angle range II and an angle III while rotating relative to the turning transmission mechanism B from one end angle to the other end angle within a relative rotating angle range, wherein the angle I or the angle III corresponds to turning; the angle range II corresponds to a locking state. With the adoption of the mechanism, the problem of turning and fixing of the surgical instrument in a human body during surgery is solved, and the risk of surgery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignees: SHANGHAI YISI MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., YISI (SUZHOU) MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Honglin Nie, Anhua Li, Xiliang Zhang, Xiufeng Shi
  • Patent number: 10368989
    Abstract: A machined or molded hinge design, for use with a delivery device, which allows for controlled deflection of a large diameter catheter. With embodiments in which the delivery device is employed to implant a prosthetic heart valve, deflection of the catheter allows for central alignment of the delivery system in the native annulus during deployment of the bioprosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular Galway
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, Marian Creaven
  • Patent number: 10368863
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10363033
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system including a drive assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a first transmission including a first drive element configured to be driven by the drive assembly to apply a first control motion to an end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a second transmission including a second drive element configured to be driven by the drive assembly to apply a second control motion to the end effector when the second drive element is in a first position and to apply a third control motion to the end effector when the second drive element is in a second position. The second transmission includes a shifting element that is configured to selectively switch the second drive element between the first position and the second position. The first transmission and the second transmission are operable independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10363038
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Coviden LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Patent number: 10363032
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge. The first jaw has an anvil that is configured to form a plurality of staples. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw from an open configuration toward a closed configuration for capturing the tissue therebetween and forming the staples therein. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples, a body, and a deck. The body is received by the second jaw. The deck has a plurality of staple pockets such that the plurality of staples are configured to pass through staple pockets. The deck is configured to selectively move relative to the body from a first position to a second position for adjusting a height of the deck relative to the anvil while the body is received in the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10357247
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel configured to support a staple cartridge, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a knife mechanically coupled to the staple cartridge, an electric motor and a control circuit electrically connected to the electric motor. The control circuit is configured to change a firing motion of the surgical instrument based on a combination of events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10357252
    Abstract: A surgical staple driver configured for use with a surgical staple cartridge that operably interfaces with a surgical instrument camming member that is axially movable along a first cam axis. A driver body is slidably supportable within the surgical staple cartridge. A camming surface is provided on the driver body that is oriented for camming engagement with the camming member along the first cam axis. The driver further includes a staple supporting portion that is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon relative to the camming surface such that when the camming member engages the camming surface, the camming member passes transversely under a portion of a staple crown of at least one surgical staple supported on the staple supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 10342541
    Abstract: A surgical system that includes a surgical end effector that has a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein one of the first and second jaws is movable between open and closed positions. A firing member is axially movable between a starting position and an ending position and is configured to slidably engage each of the first and second jaws. A firing drive member interfaces with a rotary output member, such that rotation of the rotary output member about a first rotary output axis imparts a firing motion to the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Patent number: 10342537
    Abstract: A bending control mechanism includes a turning power input mechanism, a turning transmission mechanism, a locking mechanism and a linear power output mechanism. The turning power input mechanism and the turning transmission mechanism which are coaxially arranged have a relative rotating angle range in the circumferential direction; the turning power input mechanism sequentially rotates in an angle I, an angle range II and an angle III while rotating relative to the turning transmission mechanism from one end angle to the other end angle of a relative rotating angle range, wherein the angle I or the angle III corresponds to turning; the angle range II corresponds to a locking state. With the adoption of the mechanism, the problem of turning and fixing of the surgical instrument in a human body during surgery is solved, and the risk of surgery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: SHANGHAI YISI MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., YISI#SUZHOU#MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Honglin Nie, Anhua Li, Xiliang Zhang, Xiufeng Shi
  • Patent number: 10342543
    Abstract: A stapling instrument system is disclosed that comprises an instrument comprising a handle and an output and, in addition, an interchangeable tool assembly attachable to the instrument. The interchangeable tool assembly comprises a housing, a drive input operably engageable with the output, and an end effector comprising a first rotatable output shaft, a second rotatable output shaft, and a transmission configurable in three operating states which selectively couple the first and second rotatable output shafts with the drive input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Adam D. Hensel, Shailendra K. Parihar, Pinaki Mukherjee, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10342538
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
  • Patent number: 10342567
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector, an articulation section, and an articulation control assembly. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly and comprises an ultrasonic blade. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft assembly and is operable to articulate to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly comprises first and second threaded members and an articulation control. The first and second threaded members have respective first and second pitch orientations. The articulation control is rotatable to thereby drive articulation of the articulation section by causing translation of the first and second threaded members along a path that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The axis of rotation of the articulation control is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Rudolph H. Nobis, Benjamin J. Danziger
  • Patent number: 10335144
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a stapling assembly, a shaft, a firing member, a closure member, a manually-actuatable closure trigger, and a motor is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movably coupled to the second jaw. The shaft is configured to support the stapling assembly. The firing member is configured to transmit a firing motion to the stapling assembly. The firing member comprises a cutting member, a first camming member configured to engage the first jaw, and a second camming member configured to engage the second jaw. The closure member is configured to transmit a push-to-close motion to the stapling assembly. The manually-actuatable closure trigger is operable to impart the push-to-close motion to the closure member. The motor is operably coupled to the firing member to impart the firing motion to the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John N. Ouwerkerk, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10338259
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body configured to couple to a handle assembly and a loading unit assembly. The adapter assembly includes an oscillator configured to output a voltage signal. A sensor determines a connection status of the loading unit assembly coupled to the adapter assembly based on a change in the voltage signal. The voltage signal includes a rectified voltage output and an induced voltage output and changes in response to the approximation of a winding disposed within a loading unit assembly to the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anthony Calderoni, John Pantazis, Luis Dussan
  • Patent number: 10327765
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a remotely actuatable system capable of generating control motions is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft assembly and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft assembly. The elongate shaft assembly is configured to be coupled to the remotely actuatable system. The end effector comprises an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, an anvil movably coupled to the elongate channel, and an actuating member operably supported within the elongate shaft assembly. The actuating member is configured to effect at least one motion at the end effector in response to the control motions. The actuating member is advanceable from an initial position a first distance in response to the control motions. The actuating member is retractable a second distance through the initial position in response to the control motions. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10327771
    Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus, which is configured to engage tissue includes a handle assembly having proximal and distal portions, a movable portion operatively connected to the distal portion of the handle assembly, a tool assembly operatively coupled to the movable portion, a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system operatively associated with the power source. The movable portion is movable with respect to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is adapted to engage tissue. The transmission system is configured to transmit electrical power or signals between the handle assembly and the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Stanislaw Marczyk, Adam J. Ross, Russell Pribanic
  • Patent number: 10314587
    Abstract: A surgical staple driver array configured for operable use with a surgical staple cartridge. A distal staple driver is slidably supportable in the surgical staple cartridge and is configured to operably support a distal surgical staple thereon that is oriented in a distal direction. At least one intermediate staple driver is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge adjacent the distal staple driver. Each intermediate staple driver is configured to operably support a first surgical staple that is oriented in a first direction, a second surgical staple that is oriented in a second direction and a third surgical staple that is oriented in a third direction. A proximal staple driver is slidably supported adjacent a proximal most one of the intermediate staple drivers. The proximal staple driver is configured to operably support a proximal surgical staple thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10314582
    Abstract: A surgical stapling attachment is disclosed. The surgical stapling attachment comprises an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a drive system comprising a closure drive and a firing drive configured to be selectively driven by a single input. The closure drive is configured to clamp tissue between an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly. The firing drive is configured to cut the tissue by deploying a knife and staple the tissue by ejecting a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Anil K. Nalagatla, Jason L. Harris, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 10307160
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a jaw member having a slot, a first outer surface on a first side of the slot, and a second outer surface on a second side of the slot opposite the first side. The surgical instrument includes an adjunct assembly having an attachment layer including a first section on the first side of the slot attached to the first outer surface, a second section on the second side of the slot attached to the second outer surface, and an intermediary section extending between the first section and the second section, the intermediary section at least partially bridging the slot. The adjunct assembly further includes a first compressible adjunct on the first side and a second compressible adjunct on the second side, the compressible adjuncts spaced apart, the first section attached to the first compressible adjunct, and the second section attached to the second compressible adjunct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10307204
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. The device also includes a cutting assembly configured to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws and a drive shaft that moves the cutting assembly. A gear box is provided in the device that is coupled to the drive shaft, and a motor is coupled to the gear box for driving the gear box. The device has a normal mode in which power can be provided to the motor to drive the gear box, and the device has a bailout mode in which the motor and gear box can be manually rotated as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Catherine A. Corbett, Rudolph H. Nobis, Mark D. Overmyer, Aaron C. Voegele
  • Patent number: 10307159
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical instrument is disclosed. In at least one form, the handle assembly comprises a primary housing portion that is configured to be operably coupled to a portion of a surgical tool assembly. At least one drive system is operably supported by the handle assembly and is configured to selectively apply at least one drive motion to the surgical tool assembly that is coupled thereto. A grip portion is movably coupled to the primary housing portion and is selectively movable to a plurality of grip positions relative to the primary housing portion. A grip locking system interfaces with the primary housing portion and the grip portion to selectively releasably retain the grip portion in any one of the plurality of grip positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10307215
    Abstract: Various exemplary systems, devices, and methods are provided for locking articulating surgical tools. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft having at a distal end thereof an end effector configured to engage tissue. The end effector can be configured to articulate relative to the elongate shaft. The surgical tool can include a locking mechanism configured to lock the end effector at its current angled orientation. The surgical tool can be configured to releasably couple to a robotic surgical system configured to control a variety of movements and actions associated with the surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark Overmyer
  • Patent number: 10299814
    Abstract: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device has sufficient flexibility and dimension to be passed through the mouth, throat, and esophagus of a patient into the patient's stomach. The device includes a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member. The first and second members are configured to flex in a direction to follow the esophageal path into the stomach and to be substantially rigid when forming the restored gastroesophageal flap valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan J. M. Kraemer, Steve G. Baker, Brett J. Carter, John M. Adams, John C. Bayne
  • Patent number: 10299821
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft; a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the shaft; a battery assembly coupled to the handle assembly; a driver configured to drive movement of at least one component of the surgical instrument; a motor powered by the battery assembly and configured to actuate the driver using an output of the motor; and a controller for the motor, configured to perform a first limiting operation to the output of the motor when a first limiting condition is met, wherein the first limiting condition defines a maximum control variable profile of the motor over a range of the movement of the at least one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 10299796
    Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Balbierz, David H. Cole, Samuel T. Crews, Bretton Swope, Andrew C. Smith, John P. Lunsford, Fiona Sander
  • Patent number: 10299817
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a fastening assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a closure member, a rotatable drive shaft, a firing member, an electric motor, a sensing device, and a control system is disclosed. The second jaw is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The closure member is movable between a first position and a second position. The second jaw is in the closed position when the closure member is in the second position. The electric motor is operable to rotate the rotatable drive shaft and advance the firing member through a firing stroke. The sensing device is configured to sense when the closure member is in the second position. The control system is configured to prevent advancement of the firing member through the firing stroke until after the second jaw is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 10292706
    Abstract: Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography; and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Bruce K. Jankowski
  • Patent number: 10292703
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming and securing a tissue plication. More particularly, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used to create multiple tissue folds on an anterior and posterior wall of a stomach cavity to reduce the volume thereof. In one aspect, a method of gastric volume reduction is disclosed that includes advancing a tissue acquisition and fixation device endoscopically into a stomach, manipulating the device to form a first fold of tissue on an interior surface of an anterior wall of the stomach, and manipulating the device to form a second fold of tissue on an interior surface of a posterior wall of the stomach, where the second fold is not attached to the first fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, Lawrence Crainich, Justin W. Sherrill, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 10292701
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, John C. Schuckmann, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10285703
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining organ wall portions of first and second hollow organs, including first and second connectors, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. A device for delivering and deploying the first and second connectors to portions of the first and second hollow organs can be provided, wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to axially align the first and second connectors for performing circular anastomosis of the first and second hollow organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Patent number: 10285701
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly, the anvil retainer being movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions, a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 10278778
    Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection ghost in a virtual 3D space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: InnerOptic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei State, Brian Heaney, Luv Kohli, Kurtis Keller, Caroline Green
  • Patent number: 10278698
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including an end effector configured to clamp, staple or cut tissue, a motor configured to drive the end effector and a control system. The control system is configured to receive information about at least one tissue property and select a tissue management mode based on the at least one tissue property. The control system controls the motor based on the selected tissue management mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David C. Racenet
  • Patent number: 10271853
    Abstract: A laparoscopic clip applier comprising multiple clips housed in a rigid sleeve, where the arms of the clips are oriented lengthwise in the sleeve, and a deployment mechanism for deploying the clips from a distal end of the sleeve via a perforation made by a needle provided with the distal end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CLIPTIP MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Yehuda Bachar
  • Patent number: 10265091
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to surgical staplers stapling and resecting tissue comprising a surgical buttress at least partially disposed on a tissue facing surface of at least one of the cartridge or the anvil, said buttress having width substantially larger than width of said tissue facing surfaces; said buttress comprising a first portion positioned over the deployable staples or over the staple forming pockets, and at least one flap portion not positioned over the deployable staples or over the staple forming pockets; said flap portion folded or rolled on itself and configured to be unfurlable and wrappable about the resected tissue. The present invention is also directed to methods of use of such stapler assembly devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Nir I. Nativ, Sridevi Dhanaraj, Leo B. Kriksunov, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10265067
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first iaw, a second iaw, a staple cartridge, a firing system, an electric motor, a power source, a regulator, and a control system is disclosed. The first iaw is movable relative to the second iaw to capture tissue between the first iaw and the second iaw. The staple cartridge is supported by the second iaw and comprises staples removably stored therein. The firing system is configured to drive the staples toward the first jaw. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the firing system. The power source is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The regulator is electrically connected to the power source and the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the regulator. The control system is configured to control a speed of the electric motor based on a voltage set point of the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV