Having Flexible, Malleable Or Shape Memory Material Patents (Class 600/206)
  • Patent number: 8814788
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a suction retractor comprising a flexible continuous dam which forms a closed loop of any shape and which defines one or more inlet opening into an interior of the closed loop, so that suction can be applied into an interior of the continuous dam. The suction retractor may further comprise a suction tube defining a suction channel, the suction tube attached to or attachable to the continuous dam and when attached the suction channel continuous with the one or more inlet. The one or more inlet may open to a continuous channel extending throughout an interior of the closed loop. Preferably, the continuous dam is planar or substantially planar and comprises a first compacted configuration for insertion and a second open configuration for retraction. The suction retractor of the invention finds application in single incision and convention laparoscopic surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Livac Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Philip Gan
  • Patent number: 8808173
    Abstract: In a pericardioscopic procedure, without providing an endoscope or surgical instrument with special space ensuring means and without unnecessarily dilating the pericardial space, a space necessary for operation of the endoscope or surgical instrument is ensured, so that maneuverability is improved while suppressing complications. Provided is a space ensuring device comprising: a pericardium pressing part for pressing a pericardium from the pericardial space side; a heart pressing part for pressing the surface of a heart from the pericardial space side; and an interconnecting part interconnecting the pericardium pressing part and the heart pressing part, wherein the interconnecting part generates the resilient force enabling expansion against a pressure applied by a pericardium and a heart so as to ensure a space between the pericardium pressing part and the heart pressing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiro Okazaki, Michihiro Sugahara, Mamoru Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8808174
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity. The apparatus may include a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material. The seal anchor member may be adapted to transition between a first condition for insertion of at least a portion of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and a second condition to facilitate a securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining a tissue tract. The seal anchor member may have proximal and distal ends and may define at least one port extending between the proximal and distal ends, the at least one port being adapted for the reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object. The at least one port may include an undercut to reduce the likelihood of leaks therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gennady Kleyman
  • Publication number: 20140221759
    Abstract: A pupil expansion apparatus is placed in the eye during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the pupil expansion apparatus is a square frame structure that comprises four straight beams which cross each other at their ends to form a cross beam arrangement. However, the expansion apparatus is not limited to being a square frame structure, and may have a circular, or any multi-sided frame structure. The crossed ends of the straight beams are connected by one or more curved beams, which also form iris supporting portions. The iris supporting portion is shaped in an open, curved form so as to be perpendicular to the plane formed by the frame. It receives the rim of the iris tissue when the pupil expansion apparatus is in its extended position and gently presses the iris to the periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Impex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jonathan Mackool, Aaron Beller, Joseph Beller
  • Patent number: 8795289
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member including leading portion, a trailing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the leading and trailing portions. The leading portion of the seal anchor member is configured and adapted to ease insertion of the seal anchor member into the tissue tract. Subsequent to insertion of the seal anchor member, the leading portion of the seal anchor member is also configured and adapted to facilitate securing and/or anchoring of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David N. Fowler, David Farascioni, Daniel Galel
  • Patent number: 8795326
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical anchoring apparatus for use during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical anchoring apparatus includes a body member and a dilator element at least partially positionable therein. The body member includes a grip segment adapted for manual engagement by a user and an expandable section having a plurality of expandable segments and a plurality of cam surfaces. The grip segment resiliently transitions between a first or normal state and a second state in which the grip segment is at least partially inverted. The expandable section's cam surfaces are configured to engage a distal end of the dilator element upon its insertion such that the expandable section may transition from an initial condition to an expanded condition in which the body member is secured or anchored within an incision in tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul D. Richard
  • Patent number: 8795163
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to allow for easy customization of a surgical access device by an end user. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided that includes a plurality of elongate seal elements that are configured to form a sealed configuration between a surgical site and an outside environment. The seal elements can be disposed in a surgical opening and can mate directly to each other with the outermost seal elements mating directly to tissue of the opening. The seal elements can include one or more mating elements to provide the desired mating. The seal elements can also include sealable openings that are configured to receive surgical instruments for use at the surgical site. The sealable openings maintain the desired seal throughout the course of a surgical procedure. Exemplary methods for providing custom configurations on location are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamara S. V. Widenhouse, Jerome R. Morgan, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 8784306
    Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex T. Roth, Craig Gerbi, Andrew H. Hancock, Gary Weller, Christopher Julian, James Gannoe
  • Patent number: 8777849
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second body members. Each body member has an opposed side and an outer side. The body members are coupled to one another by a connector and are moveable with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spread position wherein the opposed sides are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second body members and extends therefrom such that translating the flexible membrane radially outwardly moves the body members from the approximated position to the spread position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Fiona Middlemiss Haig, Cormac O'Prey, Valerie Anne Scott, Charlotte Adele Clark
  • Patent number: 8758235
    Abstract: A foldable retractor is provided. The retractor includes an arcuate deformable frame that is defined from a first arm extending through a first portion of an outer circumference of the frame, and a second arm that defines a remaining portion of the outer circumference. The first and second arms each include opposite first and second end portions, wherein the respective first end portions and the respective second end portions are hingedly connected together. The first and second arms of the frame are biased toward a first configuration wherein the combined first and second arms are aligned substantially continuously through the combined first and second end portions and the frame extends through substantially a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jacqueline A. Jaworek
  • Patent number: 8758236
    Abstract: A retraction device for retracting an incision in a body wall includes a sheath that traverses through the incision from outside the body to a body cavity inside the body. The retraction device may include a deployable, adjustable frame that supports the sheath and that, together with the sheath, retracts the incision. The retraction device may include an outer ring and an inner ring coupled to opposing ends of the sheath and further include means to place the sheath in tension between the inner and outer rings, thereby retracting the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Charles C. Hart, Eric Nguyen, Haruyasu Yawata, Nabil Hilal
  • Patent number: 8747302
    Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gregory Piskun
  • Publication number: 20140142393
    Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen of a patient including a flexible catheter having a first lumen configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope therethrough and a second lumen configured and dimensioned to receive a first flexible tube therethrough. The first flexible tube is movable through the second lumen and has a distal portion including a first curve extending in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second curve extending in a second different direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. A retractor system is positioned at a distal portion of the catheter and is movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded cage to form a larger working space. The distal portion of the first flexible tube is movable within the expanded cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Macroplata, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, John To, Mariel Fabro, Brian Tang, Sergey Kantsevoy
  • Patent number: 8727972
    Abstract: A tissue extender includes a ring defining a proximal end opening to engage a head of a subcutaneous screw, a first extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the first extender portion, and a second extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the second extender portion. The first extender portion includes a first coupling portion disposed at a distal end of the first extender portion, and the second extender portion includes a second coupling portion at a distal end of the second extender portion. The first and second extender portions define two side openings disposed on opposite sides of the tissue extender. The distal ends of the first and second extender portions together define a distal end opening. The first coupling portion engages the second coupling portion when the tissue extender is in an extended state. The distal end opening is larger in the extended state than in an unextended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zhang, Randall N. Allard, Frank J. Schwab, Lawrence G. Lenke, Carlos E. Gil, Greg C. Marik
  • Patent number: 8727973
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus, for positioning within a tissue tract to access an underlying body cavity, is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a first and second member. The first member has a proximal ramp section, an accordion section, and a retaining portion. The first member defines a first longitudinal axis, a first proximal end, and a first distal end. The second member has a tubular proximal section, a portal portion, and a distal flange. The second member defines a second longitudinal axis, a second proximal end, and a second distal end. The second member includes a retaining structure to couple the first member to the second member. The first member is located at least partially in the tubular section of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gregory Okoniewski
  • Patent number: 8721538
    Abstract: A surgical distractor for distracting tissue of a patient to access structure underlying the tissue of the patient. The distractor includes a tube having a distal end adapted for insertion in tissue, a proximal end opposite the distal end, an exterior surface adapted for contacting the tissue, and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface defining a hollow interior extending between the distal end and the proximal end for accessing structure underlying the tissue when the distal end is inserted in the tissue. The distractor is adjustable from a reduced configuration, in which the tube has a reduced width sized for inserting the distal end in the tissue, and an expanded configuration, in which the tube has an expanded width greater than the reduced width sized to provide the hollow interior with a size sufficient for accessing the structure underlying the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: St. Louis University
    Inventor: Richard D. Bucholz
  • Patent number: 8721537
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Juan Lechuga, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Aries E. Gatus, Kennii Pravongviengkham
  • Publication number: 20140128682
    Abstract: An apparatus for tissue separation comprises a hollow retractor expandable in at least one dimension, the retractor having upper and lower guide surface portions for contacting respective upper and lower tissue surfaces; a first dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby separate the upper and lower tissue surfaces by a first distance; and a second dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby render the upper and lower tissue surfaces being separated by a second distance, the second distance greater than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: NLT SPINE LTD.
    Inventors: Oded Loebl, Avi Shterling, Tzony Siegal, Didier Toubia
  • Patent number: 8715174
    Abstract: A method for grasping and holding tissue employs an apparatus including flexible sheet having walls that define adjoining top and bottom chambers which move together as a unitary part during use. The top and bottom walls of the flexible sheet conform to tissue and have corresponding first and second sets of holes. The method supplies suction to the top chamber and the first set of holes via the first fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the top wall by suction forces applied through the first set of holes, and also supplies suction to the bottom chamber and the second set of holes via the second fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the bottom wall by suction forces applied through the second set of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Ashutosh Kaul
  • Patent number: 8696560
    Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Publication number: 20140100430
    Abstract: The invention provides an applicator for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ and for connecting a hemostatic connection assembly to the hollow organ, wherein, when the hole is formed in the wall of the hollow organ, a first fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the wall of the hollow organ and a second fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the applicator, thereby minimizing fluid loss from the hollow organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Correx, Inc.
    Inventor: Correx, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140058207
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly for positioning within an opening in tissue including an outer member positionable outside a patient and defining an opening therein to receive a surgical instrument. The outer member has a first portion and a second portion wherein at least one of the first and second portions is movable with respect to the other portion. The assembly also includes an inner member positionable within a patient and a flexible member extending between the inner member and outer member, wherein movement of one of the first and second portions of the outer member adjusts tension on the flexible member to retract tissue. A locking mechanism locks the outer member in a plurality of select expanded positions. The locking mechanism includes first engagement structure on the first portion engageable with the second portion and a slidable member movable to a locking position to retain the first and second portions in the select expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas John Hector Copeland, Cormac O'Prey, Rebecca Ann Wilkins, Daniel Leonard Fuller, Stephen Brown, Christopher John Silk, Trevor Beckett
  • Publication number: 20140051930
    Abstract: A retractor includes a base. A blade is connected to the base and extends between a first end and a second end. The blade includes at least one cavity configured to facilitate movement of the second end relative to the blade. A first member is disposed with the first end and connected to the second end. The first member is engageable to dispose the second end between a first linear orientation and a second non-linear orientation. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Drochner
  • Patent number: 8652036
    Abstract: In one aspect, a speculum is provided herein which includes a first arm having a first channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a second arm having a second channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a hinge unitarily formed with the first and second arms, the hinge permitting the first and second arms to selectively rotate about an axis rotation, the selective rotation causing the first and second channels to selectively move closer and farther apart; and, a position retaining arrangement. The position retaining arrangement includes a first element formed unitarily with the first arm, and a second element formed unitarily with the second arm. The first and second elements are configured to cooperatively retain the first and second arms in a selected rotational position. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a unitary speculum may be formed which includes an adjustable position retaining arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Beaver-Visitec International (US), Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Terry, Dana Cote
  • Patent number: 8652034
    Abstract: A surgical instrument stabilizer includes a body having a first material and a second material. The first material includes a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first cavity configured for disposal of the second material. The outer surface defines an outer portion, a lateral portion and an inner portion. At least a portion of the lateral portion is configured to flexibly conform to a patient body surface. The inner portion defines a second cavity for disposal of an instrument and is configured to engage an outer surface of the instrument. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Newton H. Metcalf, Jr., Gregory C. Marik, Danish Siddiqui, Amanda D. Vanover
  • Publication number: 20140046138
    Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a coil positioned over the inner liner, and an outer jacket positioned over the liner and the coil. The outer jacket is bonded to the inner liner between the coil turns. The coil turns have a cross-section comprising opposing end portions, and a center portion disposed between the opposing end portions. The center portion has a thickness not exceeding about one-third of a thickness of the end portions for reducing a bending modulus of the coil, and the end portions have a generally curved outer surface. At least a distal end portion of the outer jacket has a durometer between about 70 and 90 on the Shore D scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James C. Merk, Melissa Dawn Baker, Mark J. Hiatt
  • Publication number: 20140046139
    Abstract: This application describes an overtube device that gives diagnostic and/or therapeutic access to body cavities using natural orifices of the body. The overtube includes an elongate flexible body having a distal portion deflectable in response to activation of a control cable. Proximal features of the overtube include an insufflations port and seals for minimizing loss of insufflations pressure around the shafts of instruments passed through the tube. In some embodiments, retractor elements are including on the distal portion of the overtube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: David COLE, Melanie L. HARRIS, Carlos E. CASTRO, Jason S. STEWART, Samuel T. CREWS, Daniel J. BALBIERZ
  • Publication number: 20140039267
    Abstract: An assembly for retracting soft tissue in a surgical incision, the assembly comprising; a supporting member having first and second ends; a refractor blade having a first distal end and a second proximal end retained at the first end of the support member; a retaining arm which co operates with the support member and receives and supports a clamping assembly; an adjusting assembly which engages the support member and allows the clamping assembly to advance and retract relative to the retractor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Retrospine Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kevin SEEX, Donald FRY
  • Publication number: 20140039268
    Abstract: A flexible port seal is provided for use in single incision surgery and includes an outer seal defining a bore extending from a proximal end of the outer seal to a distal end of the outer seal. A support plate is located within the bore of the outer seal and one or more throughports are attached to the support plate for receipt of a surgical instrument. The throughports form a fluid tight seal with cannulas and/or surgical instruments inserted through the throughports. The flexible port seal is formed of a compressible or flexible material to facilitate insertion through the single incision in the patient and allow for movement of the surgical instruments relative to the seal to independently orient each of the surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul D. Richard
  • Publication number: 20140031632
    Abstract: A retractor includes a central fixed portion, an extended arm portion extending on both sides of the central fixed portion, and a hook support section which is attached to the extended arm portion so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction and supports a retractor hook is formed of a plastically deformable composite member for, when receiving a deformation load of causing a bending deformation, permitting the extended arm portion to be plastically deformed in an in-plane direction Fh in a virtual plane F, which is formed of the central fixed portion and the extended arm portion, while restricting the extended arm portion regarding the deformation in an out-of-plane direction Fv.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: J. MORITA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masakazu Nakao
  • Publication number: 20130310651
    Abstract: A device for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access device includes a unitary compressible body configured to be received in an opening in tissue. The compressible body includes a central portion, an upper rim located on a proximal end of the body and a lower rim located on a distal end of the body. The central portion defines a slit configured to permit the passage of a hand therethrough in a sealing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Francesco Alfieri
  • Publication number: 20130303857
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Juan Lechuga, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Aries E. Gatus, Kennii Pravongviengkham
  • Patent number: 8574153
    Abstract: A flexible port seal is provided for use in single incision surgery and includes an outer seal defining a bore extending from a proximal end of the outer seal to a distal end of the outer seal. A support plate is located within the bore of the outer seal and one or more throughports are attached to the support plate for receipt of a surgical instrument. The throughports form a fluid tight seal with cannulas and/or surgical instruments inserted through the throughports. The flexible port seal is formed of a compressible or flexible material to facilitate insertion through the single incision in the patient and allow for movement of the surgical instruments relative to the seal to independently orient each of the surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul D. Richard
  • Patent number: 8568308
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof. The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Alan M. Reznik
  • Patent number: 8550992
    Abstract: An assembly for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue. The outer sleeve defines a passageway therethrough. The access assembly further includes an inner core configured for selective reception within the passageway of the outer sleeve. The inner core defines at least a first lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gennady Kleyman
  • Publication number: 20130253281
    Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gregory Piskun
  • Patent number: 8529444
    Abstract: A surgical retractor including a slab-shaped member having a first edge and a second opposing edge, wherein a deformable elongate member is provided affixed to said first edge, said elongate member comprising an external wall defining an internal chamber, wherein the external wall is configured to be compressible and moldable to a surface, in particular, a human tissue surface within a surgical incision. A curved flexural handle may be provided attached to the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore Hale
  • Publication number: 20130225932
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to allow passage of a hand to conduct hand-assist procedures, and is also adapted to allow passage of surgical instruments to conduct typical minimally invasive procedures. The surgical apparatus includes a rigid anchor member having an open proximal end, a flexible member having a closed distal end and a string attached thereto. The flexible member is configured to invert upon pulling the string in a proximal direction to expose the closed distal end proximally beyond the open proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Covidien LP
  • Publication number: 20130225933
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity adapts to tissues having different thickness. The surgical instrument includes a proximal portion with at least one bendable structure attached thereto. The at least one bendable structure is configured to fold anywhere along its length. Folding the at least one bendable structure causes the proximal end of the proximal portion to propagate in a distal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Covidien LP
  • Patent number: 8517934
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device including an inner cannula having one or more wings or leaflets attached to one end thereof. The wings or leaflets can be cut to length or shaped to facilitate holding the operative field open for optimal visualization and the use of surgical instruments. A shorter, outer cannula is fitted over the inner cannula and a flange attached to the outer cannula is moved from a closed position in which the wings are covered by the inner surface of the cannula or to an open, deployed position in which the wings are opened. The outer cannula may be textured or shaped to aid in holding the desired position. The device also includes a dam or barrier at the end or other convenient location in the inner cannula to control the flow of air or fluids in the cannula as to make it useful in arthroscopic or endoscopic surgery of all types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Alan M. Reznick
  • Patent number: 8517932
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoto Benjamin Sakai, Jr., Shailendra K. Parihar, Mark S. Zeiner, Edgar V. Menezes, Aron O. Zingman
  • Patent number: 8491471
    Abstract: For minimally invasive surgical applications, an expandable surgical retractor is inserted in a surgical corridor and expanded to a desired size and shape. Cooling allows the retractor to maintain the expanded characteristic. Following surgery, the retractor can be removed in a manner that minimizes bleeding and tissue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dignity Health
    Inventors: Vivek R. Deshmukh, Neil R. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8480683
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member including leading portion, a trailing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the leading and trailing portions. The leading portion of the seal anchor member is configured and adapted to ease insertion of the seal anchor member into the tissue tract. Subsequent to insertion of the seal anchor member, the leading portion of the seal anchor member is also configured and adapted to facilitate securing and/or anchoring of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David N. Fowler, David Farascioni, Daniel Galel
  • Patent number: 8480574
    Abstract: An instrument for field isolation during surgery. The instrument includes a flexible member, and a retractor configured to retract the flexible member for field isolation during a surgical procedure. A method of providing field isolation during a surgical procedure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Jiangming Li
  • Patent number: 8480575
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Juan Lechuga, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Aries E. Gatus, Kennii Pravongviengkham
  • Patent number: 8468678
    Abstract: A device for retrieving an intravascular device from a body lumen is disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a braided member coupled to an elongated shaft member. The braided member may include a number of filaments defining a radially expandable inner lumen configured to receive and encapsulate the intravascular device therein. An elastomeric jacket disposed about at least a portion of the braided member may encase the filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Michael Schultz, Paul Laduca, Thomas E. Broome
  • Patent number: 8465422
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to allow the same component used to access a surgical site to assist in closing the surgical opening in which it was disposed. In one exemplary embodiment a flexible retractor is provided that includes proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A wound closure component is associated with the flexible retractor and is configured to engage tissue adjacent to a surgical incision in which the retractor is disposed and move tissue from one side of the surgical incision toward a second side of the surgical incision to assist in closing the surgical incision. In one embodiment the wound closure component includes strands of suture having hooks disposed on a distal end. In another embodiment the wound closure component includes a ring having hooks disposed around a circumference of the ring. Exemplary methods for closing a surgical opening are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Christopher J. Hess, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20130150681
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly for accessing a cavity of a patient includes a proximal frame member, a distal frame member, and a membrane between the proximal and distal frame members. The proximal frame member is positionable adjacent an external surface of tissue and has first and second frame portions movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition to expand an opening defined therethrough. The membrane defines a loop disposed about at least a portion of the proximal frame member at a proximal end thereof and is engaged to the distal frame member at a distal end thereof. The membrane is transitionable between a crumpled condition and an extended condition upon transitioning of the proximal frame member between the contracted condition and the expanded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: COVIDIEN LP
  • Patent number: 8454502
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity. The apparatus may include a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material. The seal anchor member may be adapted to transition between a first condition for insertion of at least a portion of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and a second condition to facilitate a securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining a tissue tract. The seal anchor member may have proximal and distal ends and may define at least one port extending between the proximal and distal ends, the at least one port being adapted for the reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object. The at least one port may include an undercut to reduce the likelihood of leaks therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gennady Kleyman
  • Patent number: 8454503
    Abstract: A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex T. Roth, Craig Gerbi, Andrew H. Hancock, Gary Weller, Christopher Julian, James Gannoe