Cutter Carried On Elongated Probe-like Member Patents (Class 606/170)
  • Patent number: 9782188
    Abstract: A transmission adapter for a medical instrument with a shaft, a transmission device movable in the shaft, and a manipulating device with a first part, which can be coupled mechanically rigidly to a proximal end of the shaft, and a second part, which is movable relative to the first part, includes a first coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to the second part of the manipulating device, and a second coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to a proximal end of the transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Stefan, Daniel Kaercher
  • Patent number: 9775669
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating tissue, the instrument including a housing and a shaft with an articulating portion and an end effector. The surgical instrument including a first casing connected to and rotatable with the proximal end of said shaft with an internal frame housed within the first casing and a plurality of posts supported by the internal frame and connected on their distal ends to at least one drive wire, and connected on their proximal ends to a threaded shaft; and a second casing connected to the first casing and rotatable therewith, said second casing housing the threaded shafts. The surgical instrument includes a first electric motor driving a first gear interfacing with the threaded shafts such that a first pair of the plurality of threaded shafts rotate in the same direction and cause the articulating portion to articulate in a first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Yong Ma
  • Patent number: 9775742
    Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus is provided, including a pressure source, a cut valve connected to the pressure source, the cut valve configured to be turned on and off to provide pressure to selectively extend and retract a vitrectomy cutting device, a plurality of sensors provided at a plurality of points between the pressure source and the vitrectomy handpiece, and a controller configured to employ a function correlating a desired cut rate with a pressure source duty cycle and employ a different function when one sensor of the plurality of sensors senses a pressure outside a predetermined pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Hajishah, Mitchell W Mallough
  • Patent number: 9770254
    Abstract: A rotatable jaw device for use with an endoscope. The device includes a fork, and two jaws pivotally mounted to the fork. The jaws are movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. At least one jaw has at least one protrusion on a surface of the jaw. The at least one protrusion prohibits movement of the two jaws in the opening direction beyond the predetermined open position. One jaw may have an elongated center void defined by twin jaw extensions, and the other jaw may rotate within the elongated center void when the two jaws move toward the predetermined closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED STATES ENDOSCOPY GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Keith R. John
  • Patent number: 9757102
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes an outer shaft, a manipulation device at the proximal end of the outer shaft, a tool at the distal end of the outer shaft, with a first effecting device for a first function and a second effecting device for a second function, a first transmission device in the outer shaft for transmitting at least either a force or a torque for controlling the first effecting device, and a second transmission device in the outer shaft for transmitting at least either a force or a torque for controlling the second effecting device. The outer shaft is at least either curved or able to be curved or has a pivot joint. The first transmission device and the second transmission device are each designed to be flexible at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Bacher, Daniel Kaercher, Robin Merz, Sven Schneider, Jochen Stefan
  • Patent number: 9743927
    Abstract: A calibration system for a surgical instrument. The calibration system includes an actuator, such as a motor system and a flexible shaft. The calibration system also includes a surgical instrument actuatable by the actuator. The calibration system also include calibration data corresponding to the surgical instrument. A processor is configured to process the calibration data for determining a position of the surgical instrument. The calibration system may include a sensor configured to provide a signal corresponding to a movement of the actuator, the processor being further configured to process the signal for determining a position of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Michael P. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9737330
    Abstract: A method of treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the lumen including providing a cutting member, connecting a tracking member to the cutting member to form an assembly, inserting the connected cutting member and tracking member through a first lumen of a catheter, withdrawing the catheter from the cutting member and tracking member, inserting the catheter over the tracking member and leaving the cutting member outside the catheter, and expanding a portion of the catheter to move the cutting member into cutting contact with the lesion. A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen including a cutting member having a coupler to connect a tracking member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: Israel Schur, James F. McGuckin, Jr., James Erich Bressler
  • Patent number: 9737361
    Abstract: A catheter apparatus defining a first lumen with a first internal diameter, the catheter apparatus further comprising a shaping structure having a distal end and a proximal end and a length therebetween, the shaping structure being moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. A deployment member having a second lumen with a second internal diameter, a first portion of the deployment member being positioned within the first lumen and having a third outside diameter sized to enable the deployment member to slide within the first lumen, the deployment member being operably coupled to the distal end of the shaping structure and being configured such that distal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the delivery state, and proximal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jesus Magana, John Stankus, Benny Serna, Michael Ngo
  • Patent number: 9730721
    Abstract: Delivering ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site includes connecting a delivery device to a vacuum source, a fluid source, and a power signal source. The delivery device has a housing portion maintaining an ultrasound transducer and a tip portion having a sleeve and a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the ultrasound transducer and received in the sleeve to define a covered portion and an exposed portion. Ultrasonic energy is generated by sending a power signal from the power signal source to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasound transducer to the cannula, such that the exposed portion of the cannula delivers ultrasonic energy at a frequency that is pre-selected to debride musculoskeletal tissue upon percutaneous insertion of the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Tenex Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jagjit Gill, Darryl E. Barnes, Jay Smith, William Wilemon
  • Patent number: 9700351
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart. The apparatus comprises a catheter shaped to define a catheter lumen. A puncturing element is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen, and is configured to be deployed from a distal portion of the catheter and to puncture the fossa ovalis. One or more flexible longitudinal members are configured to be deployed from the distal portion of the catheter, and upon being deployed, facilitate the puncturing of the fossa ovalis by the puncturing element, by contacting tissue at a perimeter of the fossa ovalis. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRANSSEPTAL SOLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Francesco Maisano, Elad Sapir, Eyal Teichman
  • Patent number: 9700336
    Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument that simplifies surgery for implantation surgery for treating anal incontinence in women. The disclosed surgical instrument is intended to be inserted through an incision in the vagina and is used for dissecting tissue as well as positioning the implant. The instrument comprises a main part of the instrument, an elongated member with a flexible tip and can change conformation from a straight conformation to a loop conformation that can reach around a portion of the rectum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9693865
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a tissue anchor, which (a) includes a helical tissue-coupling element which has a distal tissue-penetrating tip at a distal end of the tissue anchor, and is configured to be advanced into soft tissue, and (b) is shaped so as to define a longitudinal channel extending to the distal end of the tissue anchor. The apparatus further includes (a) a depth-finding tool, which includes a radiopaque bead, which is shaped so as to define a hole therethrough, and which is positioned within and axially moveable along the channel so as to serve as a marker indicating a depth of penetration of the tissue-coupling element into the soft tissue, and (b) and a shaft that is removably positioned within the channel, such that the shaft passes through the hole of the bead, and such that the bead is axially moveable along the shaft and along the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: 4 TECH INC.
    Inventors: Michael Gilmore, Charlotte Murphy, Idan Tobis
  • Patent number: 9675405
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include at least one sensor and a motor, and an output of the motor can be configured to be adjusted based at least in part on an output from the at least one sensor. The output of the motor can be configured to provide power for translation of a cutting element along an end effector of the device. Adjusting the motor's output can cause the cutting element to translate through the end effector at different speeds, thereby allowing the cutting element to cut through tissue being grasped by the end effector at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Chad P. Boudreaux, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Davison, David C. Yates, John A. Hibner, Jill A. Inkrott-Smith
  • Patent number: 9649120
    Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion, placement, attachment, and removal of a surgical device includes a handle and an elongate shaft. Opposing spring fingers that open and close relative to one another are partially and slidably disposed within the distal end of the elongate shaft opposite the handle. The opposing spring fingers are adapted to grasp a surgical device and power the surgical device via physical conductors on the spring fingers or graspers attached thereto, resulting in the surgical device being fully functional. A first trigger mechanism opens and closes the spring fingers via a piston disposed within the elongate shaft. A second trigger mechanism rotates the surgical device grasped by the spring fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: University of South Florida, Innovatia Medical Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard D. Gitlin, Adam Anderson, Shekhar Bhansali, Alexander Rosemurgy, Craig Lusk, Sharona Ross, Peter P. Savage
  • Patent number: 9636112
    Abstract: A chip assembly for use in a surgical stapler is provided. The chip assembly includes a housing assembly and a plug assembly. The housing assembly includes a base member, seal member, and a circuit board assembly. The base member defines a cavity for receipt of the circuit board assembly and the seal member is configured to be received about an open end of the base member. The plug assembly is configured to selectively engage the open end of the base member. The plug assembly includes a plug member and first and second contact members extending from the plug member. The first and second contact members are configured to be received within the cavity defined by the base member and engage the circuit board assembly when the plug assembly engages the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher Penna, Jonathan W. Sapienza, Anne Nelson, Paul D. Richard
  • Patent number: 9636132
    Abstract: A cutting device for use with a powered surgical tool includes an outer blade and an inner blade. The outer blade includes a tubular body, an end cap, and a cutting window defined by a beveled edge on the tubular body and the end cap. The inner blade includes a cutting tip. The inner blade co-axially disposed within the outer blade such that the cutting tip is rotatably exposed at the cutting window. The cutting tip has castellations extending toward the end cap of the outer blade and opposing teeth extending radially toward one another across an opening of the cutting tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Thoai Nguyen, Phillip J. Berman, Dana A. Oliver, Louis M. Shadeck
  • Patent number: 9632573
    Abstract: In a medical manipulator configured to have a manipulation unit including a first input unit and a second input unit that are exchangeable, a signal generation unit configured to process an input with respect to the manipulation unit based on a predetermined process condition and to generate a manipulation signal, an operating unit configured to be operated by the manipulation signal, and a detection unit configured to recognize a type of a used input unit, the process condition corresponded to the first input unit and the process condition corresponded to the second input unit differ, and the signal generation unit generates the manipulation signal based on the process condition corresponded to the input unit recognized by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Ogawa, Kosuke Kishi
  • Patent number: 9622729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bodily invasive steerable device (100) having a proximal (201) and distal (205) end comprising a steering mechanism (50) having a proximal bending part (202), a distal bending part (204), and an intermediate part (203) disposed between the proximal bending part (202) and the distal bending part (204) configured mechanically to transmit forces applied at the proximal end (201) to the distal end (205). The steering is mechanism configured such that the distal bending part (204) moves responsive to movements of the proximal bending part (202). The device also comprises a handle (206) coupled to the proximal bending part (202) to effect manual bending. The handle (206) comprises at least one grip member (210) that extends distally (205), at least over the proximal terminal end (171) of the proximal bending part (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Steerable Instruments NV
    Inventors: Frank Dewaele, Bart Blanckaert, Cyriel Mabilde
  • Patent number: 9615877
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Barbara R. Tyrrell, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9610068
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an articulation joint that can include a plurality of articulation links, wherein each articulation link can include an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Each articulation link can further include a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the elongate body, wherein each arm includes an inner end attached to the outer surface of the elongate body and a second lumen extending from a proximal side of the arm to a distal side of the arm. The articulation joint can also include a bending member positioned within the first lumen of the elongate body and a control member positioned within a plurality of second lumens, wherein each of the plurality of second lumens includes a common longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Kappel, Francis MacNamara, Eric Gutierrez, William Lucas Churchill, Larry Stanton
  • Patent number: 9585788
    Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: John R. Underwood, Matthew Braden Flowers, Jack Robert Auld, John Christopher Huculak
  • Patent number: 9585714
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for sealing and cutting tissue includes forceps and a power supply. The forceps include jaws that are pivotal about a pin and at least one blade disposed between the jaws. A shaft connects a handle to the jaws for moving the jaws while also conducting electric current from the power supply through the jaws. A wire, routed through the shaft and through a hole in the pin, connects a knob to the blade for moving the blade. In a bipolar configuration, the wire also conducts the electric current through the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bovie Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Steve Livneh
  • Patent number: 9539020
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The shaft is operable to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus comprises electro-mechanical means for coupling and decoupling the shaft from the ultrasonic transducer, and may further comprise means for preventing movement of the shaft as it is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Sean P. Conlon, David J. Cagle, David A. Monroe, John A. Hibner, Cole Constantineau, Saeed Sokhanvar, Michel Bruehwiler, Daniel Yasevac, Mohammadreza Ramezanifard, Judy Walish
  • Patent number: 9543725
    Abstract: Pliers include a pair of arm members, a pair of handles, at least one interchangeable working jaw and a control mechanism. Each arm member includes two parallel arm plates. The handles are connected to each other for movement of the arm members towards and away from each other. The working jaw is detachably supported in between the arm plates of the associated arm member. The control mechanism includes a retaining spacer, a driving member and a spring biased between the retaining spacer and the driving member. The retaining spacer is positioned in between the arm plates of the arm member. The driving member is movably disposed in between the arm plates of the arm member and has an end knob exposed outside the arm member so that pressing of the end knob of the driving member drives the driving member to be engaged with or disengaged from the working jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Yu-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 9539052
    Abstract: An apparatus treats tissue at or near a sphincter. The apparatus has an elongated member having at least one lumen including an inflation lumen, and a basket assembly including a first and a second arm. An inflatable member is coupled to the inflation lumen and has a deployed and a non-deployed state. In the deployed state, the inflatable member expands the basket assembly into contact with tissue. At least one of the first and second arms of the basket assembly has a fluid lumen having an aperture for conveying a fluid from the basket assembly. A source of fluid is coupled to the fluid lumen for conveyance of fluid through the aperture. The fluid can be, e.g., an electrolytic solution, and/or an anti-infection agent, and/or an echogenic media, and/or a steroid, and/or an anesthetic, and/or a medicament, and/or a tissue cooling agent. The source can be a drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Mederi Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart D. Edwards, John W. Gaiser, David S. Utley, Jay J. Qin
  • Patent number: 9532837
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides repositionable medical instrument support systems, devices, and methods. A repositionable medical instrument support system comprises a frame for rigidly connecting the system to a patient support, a ball and socket joint configured to provide three degrees of rotational freedom, a frame mounting arm configured to releasably mount the ball and socket joint to the frame, a sliding joint configured to provide one degree of translational freedom, a connecting arm configured to connect the sliding joint to the ball and socket joint, and a docking member configured to engage a medical instrument to support the medical instrument during a medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Jiwan Steven Singh, Jai Singh
  • Patent number: 9526401
    Abstract: Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Edmund Tam, Chris A. Rothe, David Miller, Ruey-Feng Peh
  • Patent number: 9510843
    Abstract: A discectomy instrument capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. The discectomy instrument may include a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Brian Landes
  • Patent number: 9510738
    Abstract: An instrument system is provided. The instrument system has an endoscopic instrument with a work head that is mounted on one end of a flexible support arm and can be inserted into a patient. The instrument system has a trocar that can be placed in the body surface of the patient and has a main body which can be fixed in position relative to the patient and which has a through-opening for the instrument, a guide body which, when the instrument is inserted, encloses and guides a longitudinal portion of the support arm with a guide channel in such a way that a spatial guiding direction of the support arm is defined at least thereon, with an adjustment element acting on the guide body and allowing a specific change of a relative position of the guiding direction with respect to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Ronny Bärwinkel, Oliver Hornung, Karl-Heinz Maier
  • Patent number: 9504521
    Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement including a powered handpiece which cooperates with a combined electrosurgical and mechanical cutting instrument. The electrosurgical and mechanical cutting instrument includes an outer static housing element which defines an electrode for delivering electrical energy to the surgical site, and a cutting element disposed within the outer housing and movable relative thereto for manipulating patient tissue. The electrosurgical and mechanical cutting instrument is an integral component attachable to the surgical tool to provide multiple functions in a single instrument, such as cauterization, ablation and mechanical cutting, without the need for attachment of additional housing structures or other adapters. The tool arrangement also includes a universal handpiece which is capable of accepting and operating a number of different surgical instruments, each having one or multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurt M. Deutmeyer, Braden M. Robison, Andrew J. Hamel, Michael G. Hilldoerfer
  • Patent number: 9498600
    Abstract: Described herein are atherectomy catheters, systems and methods that include a distal tip region that may be moved laterally so that its long axis is parallel with the long axis of the main catheter body axis. Displacing the distal tip region laterally out of the main catheter body axis exposes an annular blade and opens a passageway for cut tissue to enter a storage region within the catheter. The annular blade may be internally coupled to a drive shaft that rotates the blade, and thus the exposed blade edge may have the same crossing profile (OD) as the rest of the distal end region of the catheter. Also described herein are gear-driven atherectomy devices that may use a cable drive shaft to actuate the annular blade. Both push-to-cut and pull-to-cut variations are described, as are methods for cutting tissue and systems including these atherectomy catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Avinger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Rosenthal, Michael Zung, Nicholas J. Spinelli, Charles W. McNall, John B. Simpson, John F. Black
  • Patent number: 9492223
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. One of the jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure in operative communication with a cam slot operably disposed on one of the first and second jaw members. The driving structure includes a detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9486359
    Abstract: A control arrangement for an ophthalmic surgical system for phacoemulsification of an eye lens includes an optical system for generating an image of an object region. At least part of the eye lens to be emulsified and part of a needle of a phacoemulsification handpiece can be arranged in the image. An image evaluation unit evaluates the generated image in such a way that an evaluation variable is generated which is dependent on a property of a particle produced by phacoemulsification of the eye lens or is dependent on a relation of the particle to its surroundings. A control unit generates a control variable in dependence upon the evaluation variable and, with the control variable, the control unit controls an absolute value of ultrasound energy which is supplied to the phacoemulsification handpiece by an energy source for phacoemulsification of the eye lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Christoph Hauger, Martin Kraus
  • Patent number: 9486274
    Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ULTHERA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Clark, III, James E. Chomas, Adnan I. Merchant, Ben F. Brian, III
  • Patent number: 9463059
    Abstract: A medical device and related method of use for cutting tissue is described. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second lumens extending between the proximal and distal ends. The device further includes a first elongate arm having a third lumen extending distally from the first lumen and a second elongate arm having a fourth lumen extending distally from the second lumen. A cutting element extends from the third lumen of the first arm to the fourth lumen of the second arm, such that the cutting element is slidably disposed in at least one of the third and fourth lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Naroun Suon, Ra Nam, Samuel Raybin, Paul Smith, Jonathan Root
  • Patent number: 9402644
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, an actuation rod extending through the elongate body and a tool assembly coupled to the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a coupling member coupling the tool assembly to the elongate body and a tool portion pivotally associated with the coupling member. The tool portion includes a projection member including a blunt end portion and a cutting member extending distally outward from the projection member. The tool portion is operatively coupled to the actuation rod. Translation of the actuation rod causes pivotal movement of the tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Danyel Racenet
  • Patent number: 9381113
    Abstract: A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Easley
  • Patent number: 9375256
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James S. Cunningham, Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Nathan White, David A. Schechter, Stephen Evans
  • Patent number: 9364226
    Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus, which is configured to engage tissue includes a handle assembly having proximal and distal portions, a movable portion operatively connected to the distal portion of the handle assembly, a tool assembly operatively coupled to the movable portion, a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system operatively associated with the power source. The movable portion is movable with respect to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is adapted to engage tissue. The transmission system is configured to transmit electrical power or signals between the handle assembly and the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Stanislaw Marczyk, Adam J. Ross, Russell Pribanic
  • Patent number: 9364253
    Abstract: Tissue severing devices having extension members that reciprocate distally and proximally and are coupled to dual reciprocating looped blades are disclosed herein. The severing devices described herein can be used during laparoscopic surgery to cut tissue of a predetermined diameter using the two looped blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Oscar R Polo
  • Patent number: 9358075
    Abstract: A surgical robot system for a single port surgery includes: a first robot arm in which a joint-type instrument is installed and providing a motion displacement to the joint-type instrument with respect to a remote center of motion (RCM); and a second robot arm pairing the first robot arm, in which a non-joint-type instrument is installed and providing a motion displacement to the non-joint-type instrument with respect to the RCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung-joo Kim, Yo-an Lim
  • Patent number: 9351726
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The end effector is movable relative to the shaft between an articulation home state position and an articulated position and comprises a surgical stapler including a plurality of staples and a firing member that fires the plurality of staples. The firing member is movable between a firing home state position and a fired position. The housing includes a motor operably supported by the housing, a controller in communication with the motor, and a home state input configured to transmit a home state input signal to the controller which is configured to activate the motor in response to the home state input signal to effectuate a return of the end effector to the articulation home state position and a return of the firing member to the firing home state position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Mark D. Overmyer, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 9332995
    Abstract: A bone-harvesting tool for use with a manual handle or with an oscillating surgical device. The tool has upper and lower planar surfaces and is symmetrical about a central window that is formed by a pair of elongated facing shaving edges at the lower surface of the tool. Additional sharp shaving edges can optionally be formed in the exterior surface of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Russo Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Scott S. Russo, Jeremy S. Russo
  • Patent number: 9320438
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Werner Nahm, Roland Guckler, Thomas Holzhauer
  • Patent number: 9314263
    Abstract: The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Atheromed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Quentin Escudero, John T To, Christopher James Danek, Uriel Hiram Chee, August Christopher Pombo, Torrey Smith, Brenda Hann
  • Patent number: 9308022
    Abstract: Insertion devices and associated systems and methods for the percutaneous placement of patient leads are disclosed herein. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cannula having a lumen and a first dilator. The first dilator can be positioned within the lumen and the first dilator and the cannula can be used to create a percutaneous entry point. An additional dilator can be positioned over the first dilator and advanced into the percutaneous entry point to expand the percutaneous entry point. A final dilator can be inserted into the patient and two leads can be advanced into the patient through the final dilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Yougandh Chitre, Andre B. Walker, Vivek Sharma
  • Patent number: 9307992
    Abstract: Method and device for cutting a blood vessel using a cutting tool from within the blood vessel. A first cut portion of the blood vessel is fused to a second blood vessel to provide a flow channel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Wilson, Alan B. Bachman
  • Patent number: 9308052
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for deploying an implantable tool at an implantation location of a blood vessel. The tool is placed at the implantation location in a non-deployed configuration. A plurality of image frames are acquired of the non-deployed tool at the implantation location, during respective phases of the vessel's motion cycle. A stabilized image stream is generated of the non-deployed tool at the implantation location. It is determined based upon the stabilized image stream of the non-deployed tool that, during the vessel's motion cycle, the tool moves from the implantation location by a given distance in a first direction. Movement of the tool by the given distance is accounted for, by deploying the tool at a deployment location that is distant from the implantation location in the opposite direction to the first direction. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SYNC-RX, LTD.
    Inventor: David Tolkowsky
  • Patent number: 9301798
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9282973
    Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Hughett, Sr., Keith Edward Martin, Kenneth Lance Miller, Michael Dolgin