With Magazine Patents (Class 227/176.1)
  • Patent number: 11890015
    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 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Howell T. Goldrein, Robert S. Moir, Sofia Maria Consonni, Ismail Akram, Ashley D. Easter, Helen S. Latham
  • Patent number: 11890009
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a base member that defines a longitudinal slot and spaced keyways. The tool assembly includes a mounting member that defines a channel having an open end that is dimensioned to receive the base member of the body portion. The mounting member includes locking tabs that are positioned within the channel. Each of the locking tabs is configured to be received within one of the spaced keyways of the base member to releasably secure the tool assembly to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: John W. Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11882988
    Abstract: A deployment device for a tissue repair system includes a front delivery assembly that is detachable from a base assembly of the deployment device. The front delivery assembly includes at least one prosthesis and at least one driven assembly that actuates the at least one prosthesis. The base assembly includes a driving assembly that may engage the at least one driven assembly of the at least one prosthesis. The front delivery assembly can be rotated so that the position of a prosthesis in the front delivery assembly is moved in and out of alignment with the driving assembly. A kit of parts may be provided that includes a base assembly as well as two or more detachable front delivery assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: JMEA Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Jack Y. Yeh
  • Patent number: 11883028
    Abstract: A tissue monitoring system includes a sensor, a sensor reader, and at least one computing device. The sensor is releasably coupled to a staple by a tether and is configured to measure a physiological parameter of tissue and convert the measurement into a signal. The sensor reader is configured to receive the signal from the sensor and the at least one computing device is configured to receive the signal from the sensor reader and process the signal into physiological data. The sensor is implanted in tissue by the staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Osvaldo A. Barrera, David N. Heard, Jeffrey A. Miller, Kasey A. Grim, Joe Sartor
  • Patent number: 11864761
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, and an illumination mechanism. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and is configured to manipulate tissue. The illumination mechanism includes an actuator, at least one light, and at least one elongated light rod. The actuator is disposed in operative engagement with the housing. The at least one light includes a shell and is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The at least one elongated light rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the actuator and with the at least one light. The at least one light is movable from a first position where a portion of the shell is flush with the outer wall of the elongated portion to a second position where the portion of the shell is disposed at an angle relative to the outer wall of the elongated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Rajanikanth Mandula, Ravi Sekhar Gutti
  • Patent number: 11864768
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical reloads, and to surgical systems including handheld electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical reloads to the handheld electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Ramiro Cabrera, Joseph Eisinger, Scott Firth, John Hryb, Stephen Paul, Paul Richard, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., David Valentine, Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11864759
    Abstract: A loading unit for a surgical apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector extending from the shaft assembly, an articulation rod, and a fire lock assembly. The articulation rod positioned to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position. The fire lock assembly movable in response to movement of the articulation rod. The fire lock assembly configured to selectively prevent the end effector from firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11857214
    Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Kappel, Sean Fleury, Paul Smith, Brandon Zalewski, Laurie Soderbom
  • Patent number: 11857184
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a rotatable and translatable firing member is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 11857183
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component. The 3D-printed component can include a plastic body and one or more metal substrates with interlocking features embedded in the plastic body. The surgical stapling assembly can include a firing member having a flexible portion configured to flex more readily that adjacent portions of the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11857194
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical reloads, and to surgical systems including handheld electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical reloads to the handheld electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, James Delbo, Scott Firth, John Hryb, Steven Joyce, Charles Kollar, Stephen Paul, Paul Richard, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., David Valentine
  • Patent number: 11849944
    Abstract: A surgical device having at least one rotary input screw in the end effector is provided. A rotary input screw can extend through a central longitudinal portion of the end effector. The end effector can include an improved closure system, firing systems, leveraging and alignment features between the staple cartridge and the surgical device, staple cartridges having multi-staple drivers, single-firing knifes and lockout/safety features for the same, and/or modified staple patterns, for example. Certain components can be 3D-printed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11850332
    Abstract: Methods for treating tissue are provided. In one embodiment, an adjunct material, when secured to tissue, can receive at least one physiological element released from the tissue during healing progression of the tissue, and can exhibit first and second stiffnesses in compression that are approximately constant during first and second time periods from contact with the tissue, with the second stiffness decreasing with time as a function of at least one of oxidation, enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis, and change of pH resulting from interaction with the at least one physiological element. In another embodiment, the adjunct can receive a unit volume of fluid that causes first and second portions of the adjunct to expand according to first and second expansion behaviors that differ from one another to apply different pressures to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris, Jacqueline Anim
  • Patent number: 11849952
    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: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11849945
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component. The surgical stapling assembly can be configured to form different staple shapes, such as non-planar staples and planar staples, can include an eccentrically-driven firing assembly, and/or can include a floatable component. The surgical stapling assembly can include a staple cartridge including a longitudinal support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Adam D. Hensel, Seth D. Holdmeyer, Kevin M. Fiebig, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Chester O. Baxter, III, Christopher Q. Seow
  • Patent number: 11849941
    Abstract: A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Carl J. Shurtleff
  • Patent number: 11844523
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multidirectional apparatus that can be attached to a stapler reload apparatus. The multidirectional apparatus can include at least two articulation elements each comprising a cylindrical proximal end, a hemispherical distal end, a central lumen, a wall surrounding the central lumen, and a first pull wire lumen within the wall surrounding the central lumen, wherein the hemispherical distal end of a first articulation element of the at least two articulation elements is nested in the cylindrical proximal end of a second articulation element of the at least two articulation elements and a first pull wire positioned within the first pull wire lumen, and wherein tension applied to the first pull wire causes the second articulation element to move away from a longitudinal axis of the at least two articulation elements in a direction of the first pull wire which is experiencing the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Lexington Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Marecki, Jr., David T. Moy, Jr., Leon Amariglio
  • Patent number: 11844517
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a first jaw supporting an anvil. A second jaw supports a staple cartridge. A drive member is movable from a retracted position towards an advanced position to move the second jaw in relation to the first jaw from an open position to a clamped position. At least two first pivoting links are operably coupled to a first side of the first and second jaws. At least two second pivoting links are operably coupled to a second side of the first and second jaws. The pivoting links each pivot in response to longitudinal advancement of the I-beam to move the second jaw between the open position and the clamped position. The second surface of the cartridge assembly is maintained in substantially parallel alignment with the first surface of the anvil as the second jaw is moved between the open position and the clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: K V S Manoj Kumar Vadali, Roanit A. Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11844519
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a tissue fastening device may comprise a body configured to include a plurality of fasteners; an anvil rotatable relative to the body; and a tissue cutting device. The body may define a longitudinal channel configured to receive the tissue cutting device. The tissue fastening device may further comprise a fastener actuator configured to move proximally relative to the body to deploy the plurality of fasteners from the body; and an actuation wire coupled to the tissue cutting device and the fastener actuator. The actuation of the actuation wire may cause the fastener actuator to deploy at least one of the plurality of fasteners into tissue distally of tissue cut by the tissue cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Smith, Ramon Estevez, Kathryn Venuto
  • Patent number: 11844491
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include a rotational mechanism arranged to discretely position the rotatable actuation shaft in one of the rotational orientations. The rotational mechanism can be arranged for single handed operation such as by including a slidable switch or selector to rotate the actuation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Atal C. Patel, Jonathan Covach, Christina N. Reed, Gary M. Johnson, Matthew M. Becerra
  • Patent number: 11832822
    Abstract: A stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a buttress material. The cartridge assembly includes pushers configured to eject the respective surgical staples from the cartridge assembly, and an outer wall defining a cavity and having a finger deflectably extending over the cavity. The buttress material includes an annular body and a tab extending proximally from the annular body such that at least a portion of the tab is wrapped around the finger of the outer wall of the staple cartridge assembly. The pushers are movable between a first position in which one of the pushers engages the finger such that the tab is secured against the one of the pushers, and a second position in which the one of the pushers is disengaged from the finger such that a portion of the tab is released from the one of the pushers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11832817
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a surgical buttress or reinforcement for a surgical stapler assembly. The surgical stapler includes an anvil with a tissue contacting surface and a staple cartridge with a tissue contacting surface. The surgical buttress, in either one or two pieces, is releasably secured to the tissue contacting surfaces. The staples are delivered through the surgical buttress to provide a reinforcement for the staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Lexington Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jameson Kief, Andrew Marecki
  • Patent number: 11826046
    Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Christina N. Reed, Matthew M. Becerra, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Joshua M. Schober, Steven E. Decker, Kevin Hudson, Andy Pham
  • Patent number: 11826012
    Abstract: A stapling instrument comprising a firing drive including a motor-driven reciprocatable pawl is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shane R. Adams, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11826048
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, an axially movable articulation driver, and an articulation lock system. The articulation lock system comprises a lock gear and a lock element. The lock gear comprises a first annular array of first lock teeth in meshing engagement with a longitudinal array of driver lock teeth on the axially movable articulation driver and a second annular array of second lock teeth. The lock element comprises a third annular array of third lock teeth. The lock element is movably supported relative to the lock gear such that the third lock teeth meshingly engage the second lock teeth as a closure element moves through a closure stroke to prevent rotation of the lock gear and prevent the axially movable articulation driver from moving axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11826047
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a moveable second jaw, and one or more mounting brackets that retain said second jaw to said first jaw is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Zhifan F. Huang, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11819208
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes a motor and a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The surgical device also includes a force sensor configured to measure force imparted on the transmission assembly. The device may also include a controller configured to: control the motor to move the transmission assembly to a starting position, interrogate the force sensor to receive a sensor signal, compare the sensor signal to a threshold, and determine whether the force sensor is faulty based on the comparison of the sensor signal to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Alexander J. Hart, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Haley E. Strassner
  • Patent number: 11819200
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly having a threaded rod, a first nut, a second nut, a first articulation rod, and a second articulation rod. The threaded rod includes a body, a first thread encircling a proximal portion of the body in a first direction, and a second thread spaced from the first thread and encircling a distal portion of the body in a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the threaded rod in a first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the first nut to move distally relative to the threaded rod. Rotation of the threaded rod in the first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the second nut to move proximally relative to the threaded rod. The first articulation rod is coupled to the first nut and the end effector, and the second articulation rod is coupled to the second nut and the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11819210
    Abstract: A driving device, a surgical instrument, and an operation method of the surgical instrument. The driving device is driven by a power assembly. The driving device comprises a first driving assembly and a first motion conversion assembly. The first driving assembly comprises a first effective stroke structure and a first idle stroke structure. The driving device has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the power assembly is engaged with the first effective stroke structure, and the first effective stroke structure drives the first motion conversion assembly; in the second state, the power assembly is coupled with the first idle stroke structure, and the first motion conversion assembly is disengaged from the driving of the power assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: FULBRIGHT MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Baofeng Sun, Zhixing Zhang
  • Patent number: 11812953
    Abstract: Implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods for using the same, are generally provided. In some embodiments, adjunct materials for use with surgical staplers are provided. For example, a kit for stapling tissue is provided that can include a surgical stapler having an end effector. The end effector can have first and second jaws. The kit can include an adjunct material having hydrophobic surface regions and hydrophilic surface regions and the adjunct material can be configured to mate to at least one of the jaws of the end effector. Other implants, devices, and methods for surgical stapling are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Tamara S. V. Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 11812959
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a power source, a handle housing, a motor, an adapter assembly, an end effector, and a correction unit. The motor is disposed within the handle housing and is in electrical communication with the power source. The adapter assembly is operably coupled to the handle housing and supports an input and an output shaft coupled by the universal joint. The input shaft is in mechanical communication with the motor. The end effector is coupled to the adapter assembly and is selectively articulatable relative to the adapter assembly. The correction unit is in electrical communication with the power source and the motor and is configured to adjust the input shaft speed of the input shaft to maintain a substantially constant output shaft speed of the output shaft as the end effector articulates relative to the adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Anthony Sgroi
  • Patent number: 11812958
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument includes a housing that has an interchangeable shaft assembly removably attached thereto. The interchangeable shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft that has a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft. An articulation system is configured to selectively apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector when the articulation system is in an actuated orientation. A locking arrangement prevents detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing when the articulation system is in the actuated orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
  • Patent number: 11812954
    Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system is disclosed that includes a shaft, an end effector, a motor, an axially movable drive member, and a rotary drive shaft in operable communication with the motor. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft. The axially movable drive member is in operable communication with the second jaw member. The rotary drive shaft is in operable engagement with the axially movable drive member. At least one rotational motion of the rotary drive shaft causes the axially movable drive member to move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11812960
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 11812921
    Abstract: Surgical systems configured to determine whether a surgical cartridge is present and unfired. A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a drive source, a sensor and a controller. The surgical instrument is configured to receive and support a surgical cartridge. The drive source is drivingly coupled with an actuation output. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor output indicative of movement of the actuation output. The controller controls the drive source to attempt to actuate the actuation output opposite to the firing direction by a predetermined amount. The controller determines that the surgical cartridge is present and unfired when the resulting actuation amount of the actuation output is less than a threshold actuation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Kevin Durant, William Burbank, Patrick Flanagan
  • Patent number: 11806015
    Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments include mechanisms for identifying and/or deactivating stapler cartridges for use with the instruments. The stapling instrument includes a drive member for actuating a staple cartridge and a locking member movable from a disabled position permitting distal translation of the drive member through a staple firing stroke, to a locking position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge may include a switch movable in a lateral direction to either maintain the locking member in the disabled position or to allow the locking member to move into the locking position. The instrument may further include a stapler cartridge including an annular pin configured to be engaged by a drive member at a an axial position to create a detectable resistance for reload detection by a control unit to identify the type of stapler cartridge present in the surgical stapling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Wixey, Atal Patel, Babak D. Jasemian, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 11806014
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel, a support plate, a staple cartridge supported within the support plate and the cartridge channel, and compression members. The compression members are supported on support flanges of the support plate between the staple cartridge and the cartridge channel to facilitate movement of the staple cartridge in relation to the cartridge channel to accommodate tissue of different thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 11811253
    Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a rotary drive; a motor that applies a rotary motion to the rotary drive; a surgical tool that releasably attaches to the housing, the surgical tool including: an end effector; a rotary interface that releasably couples to the rotary drive; a firing assembly; a lockout member movable from a locked state to an unlocked state by a sled; and a control circuit communicably coupled to the motor, wherein the control circuit is configured to: activate the motor to effect the motion of the firing assembly; monitor a current draw of the motor during the motion of the firing assembly; detect a fault state in the motion of the firing assembly based on the current draw of the motor; stop the motor based on the detection of the fault state; and alert a user regarding the fault state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, Mark D. Overmyer, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11806017
    Abstract: A surgical buttress loading system includes an anvil having a spring assembly biased against a tissue facing surface of an anvil body and a loading tool including a cavity configured to receive the anvil therein, a buttress cartridge including a surgical buttress releasably disposed thereon, an actuator, and a handle operably coupled to the buttress cartridge. When the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the loading tool and the handle is moved to from an unactuated position to an actuated position, the handle moves the actuator to from a retracted position to an extended position and into engagement with the spring assembly of the anvil to lift the spring assembly off of the tissue facing surface and then slides the buttress cartridge towards the spring assembly to move a proximal end portion of the surgical buttress between the spring assembly and the tissue facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roanit A. Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11801048
    Abstract: A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Trevor J. Barton, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Prudence A. Vulhop, Steven G. Hall, Victoria Dalessandro, Jackie Donners, Mark Timmer, Rao S. Bezwada, Aidan Craigwood, Caroline Hagerman, Ashley Easter, Kathrin Holtzmann, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 11801046
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11793509
    Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compensator body and at least one vessel contained in the compensator body. The vessel can define an inner cavity which can comprise an inner atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the vessel and the compensator body can be maintained in a collapsed state until staples are fired through the vessel. At such point, the vessel can re-expand and apply a biasing force to tissue captured within the staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Katherine J. Schmid
  • Patent number: 11793522
    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: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Howell T. Goldrein, Robert S. Moir, Sofia Maria Consonni, Ismail Akram, Ashley D. Easter, Helen S. Latham
  • Patent number: 11786237
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11786248
    Abstract: A surgical kit includes a surgical stapling device and a loading assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a buttress material. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member supports a staple cartridge that includes a retention assembly. The retention assembly includes a cam block including a pair of protrusions and a spring biasing the cam block towards the second jaw member. The buttress material includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion defines bores laterally spaced apart and configured to receive the pair of protrusions of the cam block. The distal portion defines a cavity to be placed over a distal end portion of the staple cartridge. The loading assembly includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a portion of the buttress material. The housing includes a proximal portion defining a slot configured to receive the buttress material therethrough and the pair of protrusions of the cam block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11779328
    Abstract: Shipping wedges for installing end effectors onto an endoscopic assembly of a surgical tack applier are provided. In aspects, a shipping wedge includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a channel therethrough, and an arm disposed within a slot defined in a side wall of the elongate body. The arm includes a first end coupled to the side wall and a second end that is movable laterally with respect to the side wall. In aspects, a shipping wedge includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a channel therethrough. A proximal portion of the elongate body includes a first arm extending proximally from a distal portion of the elongate body and a locking tab extending laterally into the channel of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, David M. Farascioni, Jin Yong, John W. Beardsley, Joseph Leveillee, Stanislaw Kostrzewski, Michael J. Kolb, Kevin S. Sniffin, Mark A. Russo, Brian S. Laird
  • Patent number: 11779420
    Abstract: A robotic surgical attachment is disclosed. The robotic surgical attachment comprises a control interface comprising a manually-actuated retraction assembly and a shaft extending distally from the control interface. The robotic surgical attachment further comprises an articulation region and an end effector assembly extending from the shaft by way of the articulation region. The end effector assembly comprises a firing member movable through a first distance during a jaw closure stroke and a second distance to cut and staple tissue clamped between jaws of the end effector assembly after the completion of the closure stroke. The manually-actuated retraction assembly is operable to selectively retract the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 11779331
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports a plurality of staple-forming pockets, a second elongate member having a distal portion that supports a staple cartridge, and a clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together. A clamp lockout feature is supported by the first elongate member and is moveable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature prevents closure of the clamp member, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature permits closure of the clamp member. An actuating feature is supported by the second elongate member and is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to approximation of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brian D. Schings, Jason Jones, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11771427
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw assembly, an articulating assembly and a drive shaft. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws. The articulating assembly is removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly and includes a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin. The pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member. The jaw assembly and the distal joint member together define a first longitudinal axis. The proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis. The drive shaft includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element that is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John W. Beardsley, David M. Jermine, David M. Farascioni
  • Patent number: 11771425
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Joseph C. Hueil, Frederick E. Shelton, IV