By Severing Patents (Class 606/137)
  • Patent number: 11147547
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising stored or storable staple cartridges is disclosed. The staple cartridges can have different unfired sizes. In at least one instance, a first stored staple cartridge comprises first staples having a first unfired height and a second stored staple cartridge comprises second staples having a second unfired height which is different than the first unfired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10646234
    Abstract: Instruments and methods that allow for a minimally invasive way to probe, locate, and cut a meniscus during a meniscectomy procedure. The instrument is a single hybrid probe/cutter instrument provided with both probing and cutting means that allow probing and cutting of the meniscus with the same hybrid instrument. A minimally invasive technique for probing and cutting (resecting) a torn area of a meniscus by employing the single, hybrid probing/cutting instrument is also provided. The technique provides a consistently good-quality meniscus with improved cosmetic results, and is simple and easily reproducible, strong, and time-saving for meniscal repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Papangelou, Brandon L. Roller, Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 10568653
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments and methods of use for a surgical excision device which contains a disposable handheld instrument with a blade for severing a uvula and an attached net for capturing and removing the uvula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Snoring Center
    Inventor: Craig Schwimmer
  • Patent number: 9888938
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments and methods of use for a surgical excision device which contains a disposable handheld instrument with a blade for severing a uvula and an attached net for capturing and removing the uvula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Snoring Center
    Inventor: Craig Schwimmer
  • Patent number: 8721320
    Abstract: A device for stretching a plastic ring which comprises pushing means (2) and a loading body (5) which are reciprocally slidable across a plurality of ribs (4) solidly constrained to the pushing means (2), and a plurality of grooves (6) afforded on the loading body (5). The loading body (5) exhibits a first substantially conical portion (7) exhibiting a base (7a), having an external diameter (D) and an apex (7b). The loading body (5) further comprises a second portion (8), contiguous to the first conical portion (7) and exhibiting a proximal end (8a) and a distal end (8b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: THD S.p.A.
    Inventor: Filippo Bastia
  • Patent number: 8161973
    Abstract: A reversible vasectomy device includes a first and a second connector piece for attachment to the severed ends of the vas deferens. Each connector piece has an outer vas deferens attaching end, an opposite inner end, and a passage from the outer to the inner end. A midpiece has end portions that are connectable to the inner ends of the connector pieces, a passage in one end portion and a vent from the passage to an exterior surface. When the connector pieces are connected to the end portions, the passage in one of the connector pieces is in fluid communication with the vent, but is not in fluid communication with the passage in the other connector piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: JC Trussell
  • Patent number: 8157152
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Patent number: 8025670
    Abstract: A transuterine cannula through which an endoscope can be advanced into the peritoneal space to provide visualization of tissue cutting in the peritoneal space pursuant to a vaginal hysterectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Minos Medical
    Inventors: Bradley J. Sharp, Stephen Graham Bell, Wayne A. Noda, Elbert Y. Tzeng
  • Patent number: 7572253
    Abstract: In order to rotate and move an arm of a slave which supports a needle-holder, the rotation and movement of a pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are directly transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder, as sensors for detecting the rotation and movement of the operating section, an X-axis torque sensor, Y-axis torque sensor, Z-axis torque sensor, and a rotation detecting potentiometer (33) are installed thereon. As a result, the rotation and movement of the pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder in optimum proportions through a computing section. Therefore, when the needle-holder is to be finely moved, a subtle motion of the fingers of the hand can be satisfactorily transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a surgical operation device capable of doing minute surgical operations with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Gotani
  • Patent number: 6866672
    Abstract: Devices for welding suture segments in lieu of tying knots in sutures applied during endoscopic surgery. The devices provide for snaring loose suture ends and drawing the suture ends into a space between heating surfaces, and provide for closing the heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Starion Instruments, Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Theodore Kucklick
  • Publication number: 20040181185
    Abstract: A device is designed for scraping off disordered part at the surface of soft tissues, particularly for removing diseased surface tissues deep in an ear canal. The device mainly includes a handle having a battery-powered motor mounted therein, and a scraper in the form of a hollow tube having two open ends, a front end of which is a scraper tip having a saw-toothed edge, and a rear end of which is connected to a front end of the handle and an external suction hose. When the motor is actuated, the handle and accordingly the scraper are vibrated to result in a circular motion of the scraper tip, enabling the scraper tip to scrape and exfoliate diseased tissues while the suction hose synchronously sucks effused blood and exfoliated tissues, so that the treated area is clean and easy for observation during an operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 5997551
    Abstract: A plunger-in-tube surgical instrument that, by the plunger's (10) back and forth action, can expose or guard a penetrating, cutting head (13) to safely enter body cavities, can allow rapid air introduction into said body cavity, can open a specialized aperture (5 and 6) on the tube (1) wall for introduction and restraint of pendunculated tissues, can severe said tissue attachments by shearing between plunger and tube wall, cutting guillotine-fashion (FIG. 5) along said tube wall, and just pulling back to severe attachments against a sharpened spot (7) on said tube wall, can interchange first plunger with other specialized plungers while pedunculated structures are restrained by said tube, and can store severed structures in said tube for removal from said body cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Harry Disney
  • Patent number: 5935137
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for human female sterilization. The apparatus includes an occlusive device configured from an elongate tubular member having a central lumen and a flange formed at the proximal end. The occlusive device is formed with a plurality of flexible ribs configured to provide a plurality of seals within the interstitial portion of a Fallopian tube. A valve member is preferably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The occlusive device may further include a plurality of copper rings disposed between the ribs of the tubular member, or ribs may be coated with a material containing copper. The method includes placing the occlusive device within a delivery catheter having a lumen and placing the distal end of the delivery catheter within the uterus. After the occlusive device and distal end of the delivery catheter are placed in the Fallopian tube, the occlusive device is removed from the delivery catheter and ejected into the Fallopian tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, James R. Kermode
  • Patent number: 5674228
    Abstract: A clamp and method for castrating livestock is provided. The clamp includes a pair of opposed elongated members, each having a curved jaw and a handle. The members are pivotally coupled so that the clamp may be selectively moved from an open position, wherein the jaws are maintained in close spatial proximity. The clamp also includes a locking mechanism whereby the clamp can be selectively locked in the closed position. At least one handle of a member is adapted to be engaged with the chuck of a power rotary device. The method includes first making an incision in the scrotum. The testes are pulled away from the scrotum and the scrotum is pushed upwardly to allow unobstructed access to the spermatic cords. The jaws of the device are then positioned over one spermatic cord and locked in the closed position. The rotary device is then activated thereby rotating the clamp and causing the spermatic cord to twist sad break. The process is then repeated with respect to the second testis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Manufacturing & Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lance S. Henderson, Randall C. Parks
  • Patent number: 5591176
    Abstract: A clamp is provided for castrating livestock. The clamp includes a pair of opposed elongated members, each having a curved jaw and a handle. The members are pivotally coupled so that the clamp may be moved between a released position with the jaws spaced apart and a clamped position with the jaws spaced apart slightly. The clamp also includes a locking mechanism so that the jaws can be locked in the clamped position. At least one of the members includes a shank for engagement with the chuck of a power rotary device such as a drill. The clamp is used to rapidly twist the spermatic cord to cause it to break and form a knot which reduces bleeding from the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Manufacturing & Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lance S. Henderson, Randall C. Parks
  • Patent number: 5190560
    Abstract: An instrument for castration by ligating and severing blood and seminal vessels. A pistol-shaped tool comprises a hollow body forming a barrel and a hand grip. A yoke pivotally mounted in the cavity of the grip is pivotally connected to a trigger, ligating means and severing means. The vessel to be ligated and severed is positioned in a slotted area at the muzzle of the barrel. The initial pulling of the trigger toward the grip causes blade guards connected to the severing means to surround the vessel or vessels. Further movement of the trigger toward the grip actuates the ligating means to push a ligature from a ligature container and around the vessels. The ligature is forced through ligature compressors which press the locking ligature onto the vessels. Final movement of the trigger toward the grip moves the severing means to force a blade through the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: John B. Woods, Wayne Porter