With Means To Assemble Plural Pieces Of Work Patents (Class 227/19)
  • Patent number: 11684363
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft in communication with the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector is operable to drive staples through tissue. The end effector comprises an anvil and a cartridge. The anvil is operable to move pivotally relative to the cartridge. The cartridge is positioned to drive staples upwardly toward the anvil. The cartridge comprises a plurality of protrusions operable to prevent lateral rocking of the anvil. The plurality of protrusions is pointed toward the anvil. In some versions, an alignment member and/or a lateral stabilization member may be used between the anvil and the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Robert J. Simms, Douglas B. Hoffman, Jason E. Zerkle, Charles J. Scheib, Janna B. Volz
  • Patent number: 11684366
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system can include a reload shaft. The shaft can include an elongate tubular member with have a jaw assembly at the distal end thereof and a coupling collar at the proximal end thereof. The shaft assembly also includes an articulation joint coupling the jaw assembly to the distal end. A drive member and an articulation member extend within the tubular body of the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end. A firing member is connected to the distal end of the drive member such that advancement of the drive beam advances the firing member to close the jaw assemblies and fire staples from a reload positioned in the jaw assembly. The shaft assembly can also include a lockout mechanism to prevent a firing operation on a previously-fired reload or no reload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Babak Jasemian, Steven E. Decker, Atal C. Patel, Erik Nelson, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Timothy M. Hopkins, Joshua M. Schober, Eric J. Weiss, Matthew M. Becerra, Christina N. Reed
  • Patent number: 11672533
    Abstract: A transverse surgical stapling system includes an elongated shaft assembly, a distal tube, an anvil assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The distal tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the distal tube supports the elongated shaft assembly. The anvil assembly is supported on the distal end portion of the distal tube. The cartridge assembly is supported on the distal tube in movable relation to the anvil assembly. The anvil and cartridge assemblies are movable between retracted and extended positions relative to the distal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: David M. Farascioni
  • Patent number: 11672975
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices to facilitate insertion of certain leads with electrode(s) into patients are described. Leads can be implanted to work in conjunction with a cardiac pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator. A lead for cardiac therapy may be inserted into an intercostal space associated with the cardiac notch of a patient. Devices for delivery may include, for example, a delivery system coupled with an electrical lead and having a handle, a component advancer and insertion tips. The handle is configured to be actuated by an operator and the component advancer is configured to advance an electrical lead into the patient. The insertion tips can be configured to close around the electrical lead within the component advancer, to push through biological tissue, and to open to enable the lead to advance into the patient. The electrical lead can also be maintained in a particular orientation during the advancement into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Atacor Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Sanghera, Matthew Rollins, John Beck, William Born, Shahn Sage, Alan Marcovecchio
  • Patent number: 11666327
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael P. Whitman, Donald Malinouskas, David Zeichner
  • Patent number: 11660152
    Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical methods employ an offset drive shaft to actuate an end effector. A minimally invasive surgical method includes introducing an end effector to an internal surgical site. The end effector includes an end effector base that is coupled to the instrument shaft via a wrist. An end effector articulation mechanism is operated to reorient the end effector base relative to the instrument shaft. A surgical task is performed by operating a motor to rotate an offset drive shaft relative to the instrument shaft to actuate the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Dachs, II, Todd E. Murphy, William A. Burbank, William A. McDonald, II, Bruce Michael Schena
  • Patent number: 11653921
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument has a distal end configured to perform an action on tissue; a proximal end; a beam; a drive rod; and at least one rail supporting at least one bearing, the at least one bearing movable relative to the at least one rail. The distal end of the instrument is configured to receive at least a portion of the beam, the beam movable longitudinally in response to an action on the drive rod. The at least one rail is shaped and configured to contact the beam tangentially to prevent the beam from buckling as the beam is moved longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Bolder Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Krager, Erin McConnaghy, Allison Lyle, Nathan Steketee
  • Patent number: 11642126
    Abstract: An end effector includes a cartridge assembly having a first tissue contact surface, an anvil assembly having a second tissue contact surface, and one or more tissue pockets defined in one of the first or second tissue contact surfaces. The anvil and the cartridge assemblies are moveable between an open position and a closed position to selectively clamp tissue between the first and second tissue contact surfaces. Each tissue pocket is configured to capture tissue therein while the anvil and the cartridge assemblies are disposed in the closed position. Each tissue pocket is configured to prevent the tissue from migrating away from the first and second tissue contact surfaces while the tissue is clamped between the first and second tissue contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: John Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11633182
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11617584
    Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width. The width of the tail portion is less than the width of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael D. Ingmanson, Sachin Shah, Joseph F. McNellis, Thomas Casasanta, Jr., Kevin J. Golebieski
  • Patent number: 11602343
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed which comprises a distal end and a staple cartridge assembly comprising staples removably stored therein. The instrument system further comprises a firing drive including an electric motor and a firing member operably couplable with the electric motor. The electric motor is operable to advance the firing member toward the distal end during a staple firing stroke to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The electric motor is operable to retract the firing member away from the distal end during a retraction stroke. The surgical instrument system further comprises a manually-operated bailout mechanism operable to perform the retraction stroke in lieu of the electric motor, a controller, and a display in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to display the progress of the retraction stroke when the firing member is being manually retracted by the bailout mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 11596404
    Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapler includes first and second jaw members and a buttress releasably secured to the first jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first projection and a second projection distal of the first projection. The buttress defines a first slot and a first aperture distal of the first slot. The first slot is dimensioned to receive the first projection of the first jaw member, and the first aperture is dimensioned to receive the second projection of the first jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Ernie Aranyi
  • Patent number: 11589871
    Abstract: A laparoscopic stapler for stapling tissue is proved. The laparoscopic stapler comprises a flippable anvil assembly and a flippable staple housing assembly which can be moved with respect to the flippable anvil assembly, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly are respectively configured to be operable in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly both have a low profile so that the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly can be delivered separately through a 12 mm trocar, and in the second configuration, the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly has a high profile for performing tissue stapling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Mingyang Qin
  • Patent number: 11589863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling staple firing include an end effector, a drive system configured to apply a force or torque to cause staple firing to occur, and a processor. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw holding staples. The processor is configured to monitor the applied force or torque to cause staple firing to occur and maintain application of clamping by the first jaw and the second jaw while suspending application of the force or torque that causes the staple firing, when the applied force or torque is outside an acceptable range of force or torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11583279
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Patent number: 11576675
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes cartridge assembly having a replaceable staple cartridge. The replaceable staple cartridge includes a knife having a cutting blade that is movable between a shielded position and an exposed position in response to advancement of a drive assembly of the stapling device. In aspects of the disclosure, the knife is pivotably coupled to an actuation sled of the cartridge assembly and is biased by a resilient finger on the actuation sled to move the cutting blade to the shielded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11571192
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for operably connecting an end effector to a handle assembly includes a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first connector drive shaft configured to be rotated at a first speed, a first proximal worm gear in operable engagement with the first connector drive shaft, a first distal worm gear in operable engagement with the first proximal worm gear, and a first drive connector in operable engagement with the first distal worm gear. The first proximal worm gear and the first distal worm gear are configured to rotate the first drive connector at a second speed which is less than the first speed. The adapter assembly may include a second drive assembly which is substantially similar to the first drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Joseph T. Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11564679
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11564680
    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: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Tamara S. V. Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 11564685
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a housing containing a compartment therein, an elongated member extending distally from the housing and first and second jaws. A firing mechanism is positioned within the housing movable to a second position to effect firing of fasteners. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having one or both of a) a first motor and a first engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism; and b) a second motor and a second engagement member removably engageable with an articulating mechanism in the housing of the surgical fastener applier to effect movement of an articulation mechanism to effect articulation. One or both of a firing position and an articulation position are tracked during the surgical procedure. Sensors are provided to detect select parameters and instrument functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: REVMEDICA, INC.
    Inventors: C. Robert Satti, III, Thomas G. Wenchell, Jr., Peter Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11553918
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that includes a dual-detent system to retain a knife carrier of the reload assembly in a retracted position after the stapling device is fired. The dual detent system includes auxiliary and primary detents to improve the retention force of the knife carrier to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent readvancement of the knife carrier and annular knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Scampoli, Christopher Penna
  • Patent number: 11547501
    Abstract: An interface structure for detachably interfacing a surgical robot arm to a surgical instrument, the interface structure comprising: a base portion comprising a first surface for facing the surgical instrument and a second surface for facing the surgical robot arm; and a plurality of first fasteners supported by the base portion and protruding from the first surface, the plurality of first fasteners configured to engage the surgical instrument so as to retain the interface structure to the surgical instrument. The interface structure engages the surgical robot arm so as to retain the interface structure to the surgical robot arm, wherein the plurality of first fasteners and the remainder of the interface structure are shaped such that when the surgical instrument is detached from the surgical robot arm the interface structure is retained to the surgical robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: CMR Surgical Limited
    Inventors: Nikki Priyam Su-Ling Phoolchund, Keith Marshall, Thomas Bates Jackson, Jonathan Peter Whittle, Dominic Martin McBrien
  • Patent number: 11547402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting body tissues with a head part, which has a longitudinal axis and can be pushed into a body opening, wherein a plurality of tissue staples are accommodated in the head part in a storage position which tissue staples consist of a linear main section and two engagement sections projecting perpendicularly therefrom and are each aligned in a first plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Optimal usability in the human body is achieved in that a hydraulic cylinder and/or a cylinder rod are at least partially arranged in the interior of the space which lies between the engagement sections of the tissue staples in the storage position, and preferably that the cylinder rod is firmly connected to a slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Johann Klaffenböck, Lukas Klaffenböck, Julian Mair
  • Patent number: 11534248
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for articulating medical instruments. In one aspect, the instrument includes a wrist having at least two degrees of freedom of movement, and an end effector coupled to the wrist. The end effector can include an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and a firing mechanism configured to form staples in tissue. Actuation of the firing mechanism can be decoupled from the movement of the wrist in the at least two degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Daniel T. Wallace
  • Patent number: 11534167
    Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a metal coating on an anvil jaw member of the surgical stapling device, on a surface of staple pockets of a staple cartridge of the surgical stapling device, or any combination thereof. When the surgical stapling device is fired, the metal is transferred from the metal coating on the anvil jaw member, the staple pockets of the staple cartridge, etc., onto the staple. The resulting metal coating on the staple enhances healing of the tissue to which the staple is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Olesea Diaz-Chiosa
  • Patent number: 11534168
    Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Austin Bridges, Hardik Kabaria, Farhad Javid, David Arthur Kelly, Elliott Baker, Stephen J. Peter
  • Patent number: 11529142
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a handle comprising an opening and an access panel covering the opening is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor, a power source, a firing member movable through a staple firing stroke and a retraction stroke, an end-of-stroke switch configured to be actuated to automatically retract the firing member through the retraction stroke, and a bailout switch configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the motor when the bailout switch is in an open state and permit power to flow from the power source to the motor when the bailout switch is in a closed state. A user of the surgical instrument is provided access to a retraction lever to manually retract the firing member through the retraction stroke when the access panel is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Richard F. Schwemberger, Brett E. Swensgard
  • Patent number: 11523824
    Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus includes an anvil buttress and an anvil assembly. The anvil buttress has a proximal end portion including a strap. The anvil assembly includes an anvil body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion has a tissue stop configured to prevent proximal tissue migration. The tissue stop includes a strap lock. The strap lock is configured to secure the strap of the anvil buttress to the anvil assembly to secure the anvil buttress to the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11523827
    Abstract: A purse suturing device includes a circular stapler having a tubular stapler head adapted to be inserted inside a section of the hollow viscus to be sutured, a handle with an actuator connected to the stapler head, and an anvil against which the staples may be folded. The anvil has a pole adapted to be inserted into the tubular stapler head. A suturing thread is wound around the hollow viscus and tightened, causing a section of the hollow viscus to be tightened around the pole. The tightened section also includes a pursed, or folded, section of the wall of the hollow viscus, in which two layers of the wall of the hollow viscus are stapled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventors: Antonio Barrasa Shaw, Alberto Gimenez Sancho
  • Patent number: 11523825
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a spring loaded lift that automatically adjusts a staple cartridge and/or staple formation between a range of sizes. The lift is automatically released as the staple firing mechanism begins its forward translation of the firing sequence. The automatic one-way adjustment also adjusts the staple cartridge while maintaining the cartridge parallel to the anvil to provide consistent staple formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Becerra, Steven E. Decker, Timothy M. Hopkins, Atal C. Patel, Babak D. Jasemian
  • Patent number: 11523822
    Abstract: A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The battery pack comprises a battery housing, batteries positioned in the battery housing, and an interruption member. The battery housing includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument. The interruption member is movable from a first position where the interruption member electrically disconnects at least one battery from another battery and a second position. The batteries are electrically connected to the surgical instrument when the interruption member is moved from the first position to the second position and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11517305
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly includes a channel member defining a cavity, and a staple cartridge including a cartridge body. A plurality of pushers disposed within the cartridge body, such that each pusher includes a staple supporting surface that defines a first concavity and a second concavity that are separated by a central radiused convexity. Each staple of a plurality of staples is received within one retaining slot of a plurality of retaining slots. Each staple of the plurality of staples includes a back span, wherein the shape of each staple of the plurality staples corresponds to the shape of the staple supporting surface of each of the plurality of pushers. An actuation sled can be moved within the cartridge body, into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to urge the plurality of staples through the plurality of retaining slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David E. Valentine, Jr., Joseph T. Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11517309
    Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. An authentication key is movably supported on the retainer between an actuation position wherein the actuation key can defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and a retracted position when the retainer is detached from the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Brian D. Schings
  • Patent number: 11518014
    Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, a knife carrier, a lockout component, and a hook component. The lockout component is supported on an inner wall of the knife carrier and has a body formed of a resilient material that defines a window. The hook component is supported on the inner housing portion of the shell housing and includes a body having a hook that is received within the window of the lockout component when the knife carrier is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to obstruct readvancement of the knife carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Anthony Sgroi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11510670
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a loading unit, a surgical buttress, and a buttress retention band. The loading unit includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge having a tissue facing surface including staple pockets and a central longitudinal slot defined therethrough, and a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The surgical buttress includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is positioned over the protrusion of the staple cartridge. The buttress retention band is disposed around the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress and the protrusion of the staple cartridge to releasably secure the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress to the staple cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Roanit Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11510674
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a housing and a plurality of cartridges that are coupled together to form a barrel that is rotatably supported within the housing. Each of the cartridges defines a plurality of staple pockets that support a plurality of staples. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable in relation to the barrel between an open position and a clamped position. A drive shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel and a pusher operatively connected to the drive shaft. The pusher is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the staples from the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Simon R. Grover, Alistair Ward, Gary Stacey
  • Patent number: 11497499
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a proximal articulation joint that defines a first articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and a distal articulation joint that defines a second articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the first articulation axis. The instrument further includes an anvil that is non-removably attached to the shaft assembly and a channel that is removably attachable to the shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11484309
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly, a motor configured to generate rotary motions, a housing, a firing member, a flexible drive member, a feedback device, and a controller is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable during a firing sequence. The controller comprises a processor. The controller is configured to determine that the firing sequence cannot be completed, cause the feedback device to display an alert that the firing sequence cannot be completed, and cause the motor to reset the firing sequence based on determining that the firing sequence cannot be completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11484313
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a staple reinforcement for a surgical stapler that can be used in surgical staplers of various sizes, is easily passed through ports, and is less likely to shift during operation of the surgical stapler. Provided is a staple reinforcement for a surgical stapler, including a fabric layer containing a bioabsorbable material and a sponge layer containing a water-soluble polymer, the fabric layer and the sponge layer being integrally laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: GUNZE LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Sawaki, Yasuhiro Ueno, Junki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11478238
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 11464541
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism for releasably securing a trocar assembly within an outer sleeve of an adapter assembly includes a retaining block, a cam wire moveably positioned relative to the retaining block between a lock position and a release position, a retaining block extension maintaining the cam wire relative to the retaining block, a button member in operable engagement with the cam wire, and a pair of retaining members moveable from a first position received within first and second openings of the trocar assembly when the cam wire is in the lock position and a second position spaced from the trocar assembly when the cam wire is in the release position. The retaining members each define a cutout having first and second stepped cutout portions and a smooth transition between the first and second stepped cutouts for receiving the cam wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Justin Williams, Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11464517
    Abstract: A handle assembly and a stapler including the same are provided. The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle having an un-linked state and a linked state. When the first handle and the second handle are in the un-linked state, and the first handle is rotated in a first direction, the second handle is not rotated, thereby to fire the stapler. When the first handle is in the linked state, and the first handle is rotated in the first direction, the second handle is actuated to rotate in the first direction to fire the stapler. During operation, no matter the stapler is ready to be fired or not, the first handle can be pressed to move by the doctor. However, when the stapler is not ready to be fired, the second handle is not actuated by the first handle, thereby will not fire the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Zhi Chen
  • Patent number: 11439393
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly along a shaft axis, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube configured to rotate relative to the body assembly about the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes a slip ring assembly configured to enable electrical communication between the shaft assembly and the body assembly while permitting relative rotation therebetween. The slip ring assembly includes a first electrical contact supported by the outer tube, and a second electrical contact electrically coupled with the first electrical contact and positioned radially outward of the outer tube. The first electrical contact is configured to rotate with the outer tube about the shaft axis relative to the second electrical contact while the first and second electrical contacts remain electrically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Chester O. Baxter, III, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11419607
    Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. The applicator can include guide features to direct tissue with respect to the driving head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Incisive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Peterson, Christopher J. Sperry, Joseph M. Gryskiewicz, Delmer L. Smith, David B. Herridge
  • Patent number: 11419608
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Megan L. (Prommersberger) Stopek
  • Patent number: 11395652
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11389163
    Abstract: Jaw assemblies for a surgical stapler are provided. The jaw assemblies comprise a first jaw having a first clamping surface and a plurality of staples disposed therein and second jaw assembly having a second clamping surface. The jaw assemblies can be actuated from a closed configuration in which the first clamping surface contacts or is adjacent to the second clamping surface to an open configuration in which the second jaw is pivoted away from the first jaw to a stapling position in which the second clamping surface is parallel to the first clamping surface and spaced apart from the first clamping surface. A pivoting link or sliding pivot joint can couple the second jaw to the first jaw to facilitate motion between the closed position, the open position, and the stapling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Covach, Matthew M. Becerra, Gary M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11389142
    Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include a body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic, LLC
    Inventors: Saddy Garcia, Jeffrey Schlosser
  • Patent number: 11375999
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, Gary M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11350933
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft and an end effector coupled to the shaft. The end effector includes a first member, a knife member, and a second member. The first member is movable towards a distal end of the end effector. The knife member is pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member is movable towards the distal end of the end effector. The knife member is configured to be in a cutting position during a translation of the first and second members towards the distal end of the end effector. The knife member is rotatable relative to the first member to stow the knife member into a non-cutting position after the translation of the first and second members towards the distal end of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surigical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Wellman, William Burbank, Grant Duque, Patrick Flanagan