With Magazine Patents (Class 227/176.1)
  • Patent number: 10568683
    Abstract: An arrangement where surgical instrument having shaft with end effector mounted thereon is provided with rotation wheel to allow user to rotate shaft during use into desired angular position. To allow compact and reliable mechanism the rotation wheel, outer edge of which is generally accessible at external surface of instrument, has internal space around axis of wheel within which is provided part of actuation mechanism for end effector. To allow rotation of actuation mechanism with end effector, part of actuation mechanism located within wheel rotationally mutually engages with inner surface of internal space within wheel, wherein rotation of wheel by user causes actuation mechanism to rotate, which in turn rotates shaft wherein end effector is mounted. Providing benefits allowing otherwise redundant space within rotation wheel to accommodate part of actuation mechanism for end effector, improving compactness of device, whilst still allowing rotation of end-effector and its corresponding actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno Nagtegaal
  • Patent number: 10569071
    Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing surgical procedures. In general, one or more adjuncts can be used in conjunction with surgical instruments. The adjunct(s) can have medicant(s) thereon and/or therein. The medicant(s) can vary depending on the desired effect of the medicant(s) on surrounding tissue. As a non-limiting example, medicant(s) can be provided to influence hemostasis, inflammation, macrophages, and/or fibroblasts. When used in conjunction with a surgical stapler, the adjunct(s) can be disposed between and/or on jaws of the stapler, incorporated into a staple cartridge disposed in the jaws, or otherwise placed in proximity to the staples. When staples are deployed, the adjunct(s) can remain at the treatment site with the staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Tamara S. Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 10561415
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul Scirica
  • Patent number: 10548594
    Abstract: An attachable clamp for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The attachable clamp comprises a body portion, a first jaw member, a second jaw member and an actuation mechanism. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis and has attachment members configured to attach to an elongate portion of a surgical instrument. Each of the first jaw member and second jaw member extends distally from the body portion. The actuation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Actuation of the actuation mechanism moves at least one of the first and second jaw members between an approximated position and an open position with respect to the other jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dino Kasvikis, Katelyn O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10548599
    Abstract: A surgical stapler has a tool assembly including an anvil and a staple cartridge having a series of staples which are supported and configured to be rotatably ejected from the staple cartridge into the anvil to suture tissue. In embodiments, the surgical stapler includes a cartridge that supports a plurality of rotatable pushers. Each pusher supports a curved, substantially U-shaped staple having a single tissue penetrating distal leg portion and a proximal leg portion. The pusher is rotatable to drive the distal leg portion into an anvil to deform the staple into a substantially D-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Ernie Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10542985
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) having an indicator mechanism that is movable between first, second and third positions. The first position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) have yet to be approximated. The second position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) are approximated. The third position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the surgical stapling device (10) has been fired and is depleted of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Hui Zhan, Junyu Zhou, Shengwang Zhou
  • Patent number: 10543009
    Abstract: A surgical device has a jaw assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw, a pivoting linkage, and a camming assembly configured to pivot the jaw assembly. A cam slot having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion may have a Y shaped configuration. A flexible shaft allows further pivoting of the jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Dwight G. Bronson, David C. Racenet
  • Patent number: 10542988
    Abstract: An end effector can comprise, one, a fastener cartridge including a plurality of fasteners stored therein and, two, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners. The anvil can further comprise extensions extending therefrom which can control the flow of tissue relative to the fastener cartridge and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cartridge. The extensions can having different sizes and/or configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Bret W. Smith, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Jerome R. Morgan, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton
  • Patent number: 10542977
    Abstract: A mounting member for a surgical stapler is fabricated from a plastic. The mounting member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion has a pair of vertical projections configured to be coupled to a proximal body portion of a loading unit of a surgical stapler. The distal end portion includes a pair of walls extending distally from the proximal end portion. Each wall has a boss and a strut. The boss defines a transverse bore therethrough configured to be rotatably coupled to a cartridge assembly of the loading unit. The strut extends from the proximal end portion to the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Venkata Ramana Mohan, Rajasekhar Nukala
  • Patent number: 10537323
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 10531874
    Abstract: A surgical end effector for use with a surgical instrument that includes an elongate shaft assembly that includes a rotary output drive shaft is disclosed. An elongate channel is attached to the elongate shaft assembly. An anvil frame that comprises a proximal end and a distal end is selectively movable between open and closed positions relative to the elongate channel. An anvil concentric drive member is rotatably supported by the anvil frame and is configured to receive rotary drive motions from the rotary output drive shaft of the surgical instrument when the anvil frame is in the closed position. A firing member is in driving engagement with the anvil concentric drive member for linear travel through the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10524789
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongate shaft that has an end effector coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the shaft. At least one articulation link operably interfaces with a source of articulation motions and is coupled to the end effector for applying articulation motions thereto. An articulation lock member corresponds to each articulation link and is configured to laterally move into locking engagement with the corresponding articulation link from an unlocked position that is laterally adjacent to the corresponding articulation link. An actuation system operably interfaces with each of the articulation lock members to selectively laterally move each articulation lock member from the unlocked position into locking engagement with the corresponding articulation link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Patent number: 10517588
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section and a cartridge-receiving half-section including an elongated channel member having a pair of opposed openings defined through sidewalls thereof. A disposable assembly including a single use loading unit and a single use firing unit is configured to be releasably supported within the cartridge-receiving half-section. The disposable assembly includes a stationary housing for supporting the firing unit which includes a distal extension for supporting the single use loading unit. The stationary housing includes a pair of flared tabs configured to be releasably received within the openings of the cartridge-receiving half-section to releasably engage the disposable assembly within the cartridge-receiving half-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar Gupta, Nikhil R. Katre, Kiran Garikipati, Sekar Perumal, Rajesh T. Shelke, Cinish P. Varghese, Richard Roland Bueno
  • Patent number: 10512463
    Abstract: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Umesh H. Patel, Bhavin Shah, Chad S. McAlexander
  • Patent number: 10499890
    Abstract: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 10499916
    Abstract: A surgical loading unit (10) for use with a surgical handle assembly (1000) includes a handle mount (12) dimensioned for mounting to the handle assembly (1000), an outer member (56) extending from the handle mount (12), a staple cartridge assembly (16) mounted to the distal end of the outer member (56), and an anvil assembly (18) couplable relative to the staple cartridge assembly (16). A staple pusher (60) is at least partially disposed within the outer member (56) and operatively coupled to the staple cartridge assembly (16). The staple pusher (60) is adapted for longitudinal movement to eject staples from the staple cartridge assembly (16). An anvil approximator (94) is at least partially disposed within the outer member (56) and is operatively coupled to the anvil assembly (18). The anvil approximator (94) is adapted for movement between first and second positions corresponding to closed and open conditions of the anvil assembly (18) relative to the staple cartridge assembly (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Longsheng Cai, Xiliang Zhang, Zhaokai Wang
  • Patent number: 10499910
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining a tissue includes a handle assembly, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a pair of opposed jaw members, and a tissue stop. The tissue stop is mechanically engaged with a first jaw member and is configured to retain the tissue between the jaw members. The tissue stop is movable between a first position, where a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member, and a second position, where the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member. A portion of the tissue stop is made of stamped metal section and a portion of the tissue stop is made of an overmolded plastic section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David Farascioni
  • Patent number: 10492784
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is mounted onto the distal portion of the elongate body for articulation and includes a staple cartridge that supports a plurality of staples and pushers. An actuation sled is movable through the staple cartridge to eject staples from the staple cartridge and a clamp member is movable through the tool assembly to move the tool assembly from an open position to an approximated position and to advance the actuation sled through the staple cartridge to eject staples and transect tissue. In order to minimize the space for the firing assembly in the proximal portion of the tool assembly, the actuation sled and clamp member are supported in a nested relationship in a pre-actuated state of the tool assembly. The clamp member is subsequently moved to a position proximal of the actuation sled during a firing stroke of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Beardsley, David Nicholas
  • Patent number: 10485543
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an anvil and a firing member is disclosed. The anvil comprises longitudinal rows of staple forming pockets including inner rows of forming pockets, outer rows of forming pockets, and intermediate rows of forming pockets positioned between the inner rows of forming pockets and the outer rows of forming pockets. The firing member comprises cams configured to position the anvil which do not extend laterally beyond the inner rows of forming pockets. In other embodiments, the cams of the firing member do not extend laterally to the inner rows of forming pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Zhifan F. Huang, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 10485539
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising an end effector, a firing member, a handle, and a motor is disclosed. The end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration when a closing motion is applied to the end effector. The firing member is configured to perform a staple firing stroke when a firing motion is applied to the firing member. The motor is configured to generate the firing motion. The surgical instrument system further comprises means for preventing the firing member from performing the staple firing stroke prior to sensing the closing motion. The means comprises a circuit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John N. Ouwerkerk, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10485616
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Kevin D. Felder, Steven G. Hall
  • Patent number: 10485545
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener applicator including a handle, a first trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle, and a second trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle. An interlock is disposed with the second trigger and comprises a cam follower engaged in a cam channel that selectively prevents rotation of the second trigger relative to the first trigger depending on a location of the cam follower within the cam channel. The location of the cam follower in the cam channel is set by a position of the first trigger. Methods of operating the various embodiments disclosed are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DATASCOPE CORP.
    Inventors: William K. Wheeler, Ashik A. Mohan
  • Patent number: 10478184
    Abstract: An endoscopic stapler is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple member and an anvil member. The staple member may include a staple housing and the staple holder may include one or more staples. The anvil member may be spaced apart from the staple member and may configured to relatively move towards one another. A controller may be fluidly coupled to the staple member through a plurality of conduits. The controller may be configured to (a) direct a pressurized fluid to the staple member through a first conduit of the plurality of conduits to relatively move the staple member and the anvil member towards one another, and (b) direct the pressurize fluid through a second conduit of the plurality of conduits to eject one or more staples from the staple holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Castro, Amador Hallare, Hollie Pope, David Cole
  • Patent number: 10478183
    Abstract: Various adjunct releasing mechanisms are provided herein that can be incorporated into surgical devices, such as an end effector of a surgical stapler. For example, an adjunct releasing mechanism can act to release an adjunct attached to an end effector of a surgical stapler upon deployment of staples retained within the end effector. The adjunct can be retained on the end effector through a variety of means, such as through use of adhesive or by having a portion of the adjunct partially received within cavities formed on a tissue-facing surface of the end effector. The releasing mechanisms can extend into the cavities formed on the tissue-facing surface of the end effector to cause the adjunct to detach from the end effector upon deployment of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely
  • Patent number: 10470761
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10470768
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge including a cartridge body and a layer mounted to said cartridge body is disclosed. The cartridge body can include projections extending therefrom and the layer can include apertures which correspond to the projections. The projections and the apertures can form a releasable interference fit therebetween to secure the layer to the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10456132
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a lower jaw, an anvil, and a resilient member. The anvil is pivotable relative to the lower jaw between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The resilient member is configured to bias the anvil to remain in the fully opened position when the anvil is in the fully opened position. The end effector may include a closure ring coupled with the anvil that is translatable relative to the lower jaw and configured to engage the anvil at an interface as the closure ring translates proximally relative to the lower jaw to thereby pivot the anvil relative to the lower jaw toward the fully opened position. In various embodiments, the resilient member may comprise elastomeric material positioned between the closure ring and the anvil or a pair of springs or resilient arms that engage the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Gettinger, Katherine J. Schmid, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10441305
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, a support, a roller, and an extension depending from the handle. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other jaw member. The drive assembly includes a drive bar extending at least partially through the elongated shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive bar causes movement of the jaw members. The extension includes a proximal surface and a channel defined therein. The proximal surface is configured to contact a portion of the drive assembly such that movement of the handle with respect to the housing causes longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The channel is positioned for mechanical engagement by the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, David N. Heard
  • Patent number: 10433846
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Helen S. Latham, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Howell T. Goldrein, Robert S. Moir, Sofia Maria Consonni, Ismail Akram, Ashley D. Easter
  • Patent number: 10426480
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cut ring assembly including a backup member, an intermediate member and a cutting ring body. The intermediate member is formed of a thin, rigid material that is sandwiched between the backup member and the cutting ring body. The thin, rigid material is formed of a material having a hardness less than the hardness of the backup member and greater than the hardness of the cutting ring body. The present disclosure also relates to an anvil assembly including such a cut ring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Paul A. Scirica, Steven Joyce, Justin Williams, Charles Kollar, Christopher Penna
  • Patent number: 10426477
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, a deck, a longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the deck, a plurality of staples removably stored in the row of staple cavities, and a ramp is disclosed. The cartridge body comprises a proximal end and a distal end. Each staple comprises a base, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base. The base comprises a groove. The ramp is configured to move from the proximal end toward the distal end to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The ramp travels along a path aligned with the bases of the staples. The first legs are positioned on a first side of the path. The second legs are positioned on a second side of the path. The groove of the base is configured to receive the ramp as the ramp travels along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan, Mark S. Zeiner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10420551
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle having a handle frame, a microcontroller having at least one program and memory, and a handle interface supported by the handle frame and in electrical communication with the microcontroller. The instrument further includes a loading unit having a body configured for operative coupling to the handle frame of the handle, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the body and configured to perform a surgical task. A bracket is mounted to the loading unit and includes a microchip having at least one of authentication data and identification data relating to the loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Anthony Calderoni
  • Patent number: 10405858
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Kevin J. Ranucci
  • Patent number: 10390828
    Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing staples in tissue using adjuncts coupled to an individual staple are described herein. In one embodiment, a staple cartridge assembly is described that can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities, where each staple cavity has a surgical staple disposed therein. The assembly can also include a plurality of adjuncts, where each adjunct is disposed around at least one leg of a surgical staple such that each adjunct forms a seal around the at least one leg of the surgical staple upon deployment of the surgical staple from the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Andrew Poskie
  • Patent number: 10383634
    Abstract: A stapling system comprising an anvil comprising an anvil ledge, a channel comprising a channel ledge, a firing member, a replaceable unfired staple cartridge, and a locking member is disclosed. The firing member comprises a first projection configured to engage the anvil ledge and a second prosection configured to engage the channel ledge. The firing member is movable distally during a staple firing stroke. The replaceable unfired staple cartridge comprises staples, a vertical slot configured to receive the firing member during the staple firing stroke, and a sled comprising a central portion configured to slide within the vertical slot. The locking member is movable vertically and spring-biased into a locked configuration which inhibits the firing member from being advanced through the staple firing stroke when a previously-fired staple cartridge is assembled to the stapling system instead of the replaceable unfired staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Patent number: 10376262
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, David C. Racenet
  • Patent number: 10368867
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a lockout is disclosed. The lockout is configured to prevent the stapling system from performing a stapling firing function if an unspent staple cartridge is not fully seated in the stapling system. In various instances, the lockout is configured to permit the stapling system to perform a jaw clamping function even though an unspent staple cartridge is not fully seated in the stapling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10368869
    Abstract: A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to one another; a surgical buttress releasably secured to a tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly, wherein each surgical buttress is secured to the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly by at least one anchor; a release assembly associated with the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly slidably translatable through the tool assembly between proximal and distal positions, wherein the drive assembly actuates the release assembly to thereby release the anchor to free the surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ernest Aranyi, Patrick Mozdzierz
  • Patent number: 10363042
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed, the instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion having a staple cartridge assembly, and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head, an anvil member, an anvil shaft, and a biasing member. The anvil shaft defines a longitudinal axis and the anvil member is pivotally secured to the anvil head. The biasing member is supported on the anvil assembly to urge the anvil member from a first position to a second position defining an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 10357246
    Abstract: A motor-driven surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a motor that is supported in a housing and includes at least one rotary drive system that is configured for selective operable engagement and disengagement with the motor assembly. A bailout drive train is supported by the housing assembly and is configured for selective operable engagement and disengagement with the at least one rotary drive system. A bailout handle assembly is selectively movable between a stored position within the housing assembly and an actuation position such that, when the bailout handle assembly is in the stored position, the at least one rotary drive system is retained in operable engagement with the motor assembly and when the bailout handle assembly is in the actuation position, the bailout drive train is in operable engagement with the at least one rotary drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10357248
    Abstract: A stretchable buttress assembly includes a planar fabric layer and a biocompatible adhesive layer. The planar fabric layer is configured to stretch along a stretch axis. The planar fabric layer includes extensible fibers and non-extensible fibers. The extensible fibers are arranged in a repeatable pattern. The extensible fibers are oriented along respective paths that are each parallel to the stretch axis. The non-extensible fibers are arranged in a repeatable pattern and engaged with the extensible fibers. The adhesive layer is applied to the planar fabric and is configured to removably adhere the planar fabric layer to an end effector of a surgical stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Victoria Dalessandro, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely
  • Patent number: 10349932
    Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device and a plurality of anchor assemblies. The delivery system is configured to deliver a first anchor using loaded energy and reload the energy required to deliver an addition anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NeoTract, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore Bender, Robert George, Floria Cheng, Jolene Cutts, Ling-Kang Tong, Michael Gearhart, Matthew McLean, James Niederjohn, Brian Y. Tachibana, Ben Thompson
  • Patent number: 10350016
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising: a jaw assembly; a slider beam; first and second distal jaw-mounted coaxial pulleys rotatably mounted to a distal portion of the second assembly; a two degree of freedom wrist that includes first and second pitch axis pulleys rotatable about a pitch axis and that includes a yaw pulley rotatable about a yaw axis; a first cable that is secured to the slider beam, that wraps about the first distal jaw-mounted pulley and that extends parallel to the jaw assembly to opposite sides of the first pitch axis pulley; a second cable that is secured to the slider beam, that wraps about the second distal jaw-mounted pulley and that extends parallel to the second jaw assembly to opposite sides of the second pitch axis pulley; and at least one yaw cable wrapped about at least a portion of the yaw pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Gregory W. Dachs, II
  • Patent number: 10342535
    Abstract: A method for treating a patient includes a surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw configured to pivot to receive a tissue of the patient therebetween. The upper and lower jaws respectively have upper and lower crush surfaces, which extends generally parallel with a centerline and are configured to receive the tissue thereagainst. The upper jaw also includes an anvil, whereas the lower jaw includes a staple cartridge and a deck facing the anvil. In addition, the lower jaw has a plurality of staple opening formed through the deck with a plurality of staples received therein. The upper and lower crush surfaces are configured to compress the tissue therebetween with a crush pressure configured to sever the tissue along the upper and lower crush surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Nicholas Fanelli
  • Patent number: 10342534
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes reload assembly that is supported on a distal portion of an elongate shaft of the surgical stapling device. The reload includes a housing, a pusher assembly movably supported within the housing, a knife carrier movably supported within the pusher assembly, and an annular knife supported on the knife carrier. The elongate body includes a pusher drive member and a knife carrier pusher. The knife carrier includes first engagement structure that is configured to releasably engage second engagement structure formed on the knife carrier pusher to releasably couple the knife carrier pusher to the knife carrier. The knife carrier supports at least one detent that is movable into contact with a distal portion of the pusher drive member as the knife carrier is retracted to urge the first engagement structure out of engagement with the second engagement structure to uncouple the knife carrier from the knife carrier pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Joseph Guerrera, David Valentine
  • Patent number: 10342533
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a shaft, a firing member, a closure member, a manually-actuatable closure trigger, and a motor is disclosed. The shaft is configured to support a stapling assembly. The firing member is configured to transmit a firing motion to the stapling assembly. The closure member is configured to transmit a closing motion to the stapling assembly. The manually-actuatable closure trigger is operable to impart the closing motion to the closure member. The manually-actuatable closure trigger is mechanically coupled to a jaw of the stapling assembly such that a load can be transmitted between the jaw and the manually-actuatable closure trigger. 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 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John N. Ouwerkerk, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10335145
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for operating and controlling a modular surgical instrument comprising an operating mode. A controller may receive electrical signal associated with an activation of at least one user-actuated input device electrically coupled to the controller and override the operating mode of the surgical instrument upon receiving the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10335227
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a pair of jaw members configured to move with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration for clamping tissue. At least one jaw member includes an elongate cam slot extending in a longitudinal direction over a substantial a length a tissue clamping surface of the at least one jaw member. A plurality of electrically isolated, and longitudinally spaced electrodes is supported by the tissue clamping surface and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. A reciprocating member engages the elongate cam slot and is extendable to a sealing position with respect to each of the electrodes to define a predetermined gap distance between a particular electrode and an opposing tissue clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: David N. Heard
  • Patent number: 10335148
    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 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10327768
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling instrument includes anvil and cartridge assemblies movable between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body defining a tissue contact surface and rows of staples. The cartridge body defines a first firing channel associated with a first row of staples and a second firing channel associated with a second row of staples. A firing cam is positioned within the first firing channel and translates therethrough during a first axial translation to fire the first row of staples. The first firing cam is biased to move into the second firing channel upon retraction after the first axial translation such that the first firing cam translates through the second firing channel upon a second axial translation to fire the second row of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Magda Sadowski, Stanislaw Kostrzewski