Jaws Biased To Open Or Closed Position Patents (Class 606/206)
  • Patent number: 8845684
    Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a main body, a sheath, and a biasing member. The main body has a plurality of resilient arms that each extend from a proximal end to a distal tip. The resilient arms are movable between an open configuration in which the distal tips are radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the main body and from each other and a closed configuration in which the distal tips abut one another at or near the longitudinal axis. The sheath is longitudinally slideable on the main body to move the arms between the open and closed configurations. The biasing member causes the sheath to bias the arms toward the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolf von Oepen
  • Publication number: 20140276719
    Abstract: A surgical device for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a shaft, and an interface assembly. The shaft comprises an articulation section operable to provide deflection of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The interface assembly comprises a plurality of pulleys associated with drive shafts driven by an external system. The pulleys are operable to cause rotation of one or both of the shaft or end effector. The pulleys are further operable to cause articulation of the articulation section. The interface assembly further comprises drive components operable to cause movement of components of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shailendra K. Parihar
  • Publication number: 20140277109
    Abstract: A suturing device including an outer bendable body and an inner bendable needle with a freely bendable angle includes a longitudinally extending outer hollow body having a point and a hollow passage and an inner needle portion or part disposed therein. The outer hollow body is constructed and dimensioned to receive a sized suture needle within the hollow passage with slightly close tolerances welded at its base to a point along the hollow body of the outer part and wherein the outer body includes a lower relatively stiff bendable material and an upper portion of relatively malleable material adjacent to and fixed to the lower portion. Further, the outer hollow body is more malleable as it becomes closer to the point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: King Saud University
    Inventors: Feras M. Alshomer, Abdulaziz Alshail
  • Publication number: 20140277108
    Abstract: According to various implementations, a surgical instrument is provided that has two graspers for remotely grasping an organ or tissue in two different locations. The surgeon can manipulate the organ or tissue using the instrument with one hand while using his or her other hand to perform a surgical procedure. Using one instrument also reduces the number of incisions required. This instrument is especially useful in laproscopic procedures and other minimally invasive surgeries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: David B. Renton
  • Patent number: 8828047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a forceps with two branches which can be pushed resiliently against each other, are connected to each other at one end by means of a connection section and have a resilient section distally adjoining the connection section, a grip section distally adjoining the resilient section and forceps legs distally adjoining the grip section. In order to afford the possibility of matching the spring force of the forceps to different operational aims, provision is made according to the invention for a support apparatus which is arranged on a branch in the region between the connection section and the grip section or in the proximal region of the grip section, which support apparatus extends transversely between the branches in the direction of the other branch and which is adjustable in terms its spacing from the other branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Guenter Bissinger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Bissinger, Matthias Bissinger, Jochen Hein
  • Patent number: 8828048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument comprising an elongated element, which is preferably configured for transoral placement in a stomach, and an end effector (100) arranged at one end of the elongated element, wherein the end effector (100) can be operated by means of a hydraulic operating mechanism (1), wherein the hydraulic operating mechanism (1) comprises a cylinder (20) having at least one, preferably two, three, four, or five, overflow channels (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for a hydraulic fluid, which are connected to the cylinder interior by means of at least one bore (22, 22b, 22b?, 22c, 22c?, 22d, 22d?), a piston (30) arranged in the cylinder (20) and movable along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder (20) is provided, wherein the piston (30) divides the interior (23) of the cylinder (20) into a first cylinder chamber (23a) and a second cylinder chamber (23b) and is connected to the end effector (100) by means of a piston rod (31), and at least one connection (41) for introducing hydraulic fluid i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Johann Klaffenboeck, Lukas Klaffenboeck
  • Publication number: 20140249574
    Abstract: A medical instrument insertable through a cannula, the instrument comprising an elongate shaft; and an operative tip having a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw. The operative tip disposed at a distal end of said elongate shaft and being disposed on said shaft for rotation relative to at least a distal end portion of said shaft about a longitudinal axis of said distal end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, Oleg Shikhman, Anatoly Konik, Dan Rottenberg, Christopher Battles, Michael Abrams, Jeffrey Radziunas, Danial Ferreira
  • 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: 8784418
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. 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. Each jaw member defines an arcuate configuration and includes a proximal segment and a distal segment coupled to the proximal segment. The distal segment is moveable with respect to the proximal segment between a use position, wherein the proximal segment and the distal segment cooperate to define the arcuate configuration of the jaw member, and an insertion position, wherein the distal segment is offset relative to the proximal segment to interrupt the arcuate configuration of the jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul R. Romero
  • Patent number: 8764749
    Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien
    Inventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
  • Publication number: 20140155886
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking coil disposed about an axis defined by the flexible portion of the elongated shaft. A distal end of the locking coil is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft, and a proximal end of the locking coil is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to laterally approximate the locking coil to flexible portion, and thus frictionally engage the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede articulating motion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: PETER M. MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20140135763
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first actuation assembly coupled to a first component and movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the first component. A biasing member coupled to the first actuation assembly is configured to bias the first actuation assembly towards the first position. A second actuation assembly is coupled to a second component and is selectively actuatable to actuate the second component. The second actuation assembly is coupled to the first actuation assembly such that actuation of the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuating assembly from the first position towards the second position. A linkage assembly is configured to reduce the bias applied to the first actuation assembly when the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JOHN J. KAPPUS, DAVID N. HEARD
  • Patent number: 8702748
    Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument includes a shaft and a head having a distal end to which a variety of surgical instruments are attached. The laparoscopic surgical instrument also includes a flexible joint installed between the shaft and the head; a longitudinal-driving unit including a longitudinal-driving wire connected with both longitudinal ends of the head and a longitudinal-driving roller turning the longitudinal-driving wire and a transverse-driving unit including a transverse-driving wire connected with both transverse ends of the head and a transverse-driving roller turning the transverse-driving wire. The longitudinal-driving unit turns the flexible joint in the longitudinal direction, the transverse-driving unit turns the flexible joint in the transverse direction, and the shaft has a small diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: National Cancer Center
    Inventors: Dong Jun Kim, Jun Woo Park, Yung Ho Jo
  • Patent number: 8696665
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that can comprise and end effector including two jaws and a cutting member configured to move between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be flexible, such that a jaw is configured to flex when gripping tissue. Further, at least one of the jaws may include a thin cross-sectional area such that the jaw flexes when gripping tissue. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, one or more compression elements may extend from the cutting member and may be configured to cause the jaws to close when the cutting member is advanced. The compression elements may comprise a roller and/or a low-friction material. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be precurved, away from the cutting member's longitudinal axis. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overall force required to advance the cutting member and/or close the jaws may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Hunt, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Gavin M. Monson, Suzanne E. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140094650
    Abstract: A first surgical instrument includes a shaft having an extension member such as a pair of jaw members at a distal end that are movable about a pivot for grasping tissue. The first surgical instrument enables a user to move the shaft and the pair of jaw members. A cleaning material is disposed on an external surface of the extension member such as at least one jaw member or disposed on the shaft. The first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument define a distance between each other. The cleaning material is configured to clean at least a portion of at least a second surgical instrument in proximity to the first surgical instrument when the distance between the first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument is reduced. A corresponding method of cleaning the second surgical instrument with the cleaning material of the first surgical instrument is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Matthew Schaning
  • Publication number: 20140094845
    Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, Jeffrey M. Roy, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8685003
    Abstract: A surgical system is adapted and configured for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument that is operatively coupled to a seal anchor member for accessing an underlying body cavity and manipulating a target tissue within the body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a plurality of arms that are triangulatable with respect to each other and the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Patent number: 8685009
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Igoris Misuchenko, Georgy Martsinovskiy, Mikhail Verbitsky, Nataliya Chernova
  • Publication number: 20140088638
    Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft. The actuator may be a manual handle. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal end of the elongate shaft. A loader is sized to receive the end effector. A lock extends laterally from the end effector and is operative to prevent the end effector from leaving the loader. The lock may move medially relative the end effector to allow the end effector to leave the loader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Shailendra K. Parihar
  • Patent number: 8679113
    Abstract: A resecting device is disclosed. The resecting device comprises: a handle having a jaw trigger slidably engaged with said handle and mechanically engaged with a spring mechanism communicating a biasing force to said jaw trigger; a fixed shaft portion having a first and a second end, wherein said fixed shaft portion first end is affixed to said housing, wherein said fixed shaft portion second end forms a first jaw member, and wherein said first jaw member has a tissue contact area; and a slidable shaft portion in communication with said spring mechanism and slidable relative to said fixed shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Leroy L. Yates
  • Patent number: 8679151
    Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed which includes a housing, a collar, and a plurality of deformable members. The housing defines a proximal end and a distal end and has a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The collar is repositionable between a first position and a second position with the second position being closer to the proximal end of the housing than the first position. Each of the plurality of deformable members defines a distal portion, is coupled to the collar and is transitionable through one of the plurality of lumens. The plurality of deformable members is in a retracted state when the collar is in the first position and a deployed state when the collar is in the second position. One or more of the plurality of deformable members may also include a barb attached to the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anibal Rodrigues, Jr., Gregory Okoniewski
  • Publication number: 20140074092
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: GLENN A. HORNER, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV
  • Patent number: 8668702
    Abstract: A minimal access tool includes a frame arranged to be attached to an arm of a user, a tool shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tool shaft proximal end is connected to the frame. The tool further includes an input joint having a first end connected to the frame and a second end arranged to receive user input, the input joint including a virtual center-of-rotation (VC) mechanism which provides a center of rotation that generally coincides with a wrist joint of the user. An output joint is connected to the tool shaft distal end, where the output joint is coupled to the input joint via a mechanical transmission connected therebetween to correlate motion of the input joint to motion of the output joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Shorya Awtar, Jens Nielsen, Tristan Trutna, Andrew Mansfield, Rosa Abani, James Geiger, Patrick Quigley
  • Patent number: 8663270
    Abstract: A jaw movement mechanism for surgical tools has improved mechanical efficiency and other advantages. The jaw movement mechanism controls the orientation and position of a movable jaw relative to a fixed jaw through a range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain a parallel orientation throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain an angular relationship throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Donnigan, Eric Sugalski, Erik Holverson, Randall Koplin, Michael Gregor
  • Patent number: 8647352
    Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Insightra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Stephen Graham Bell
  • Patent number: 8647342
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly having a housing. A tool cartridge is receivable in the housing. The tool cartridge includes a first jaw and a second jaw for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw is hingably movable between an open position and a closed position. A first jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the first jaw. A sheath encompasses at least part of the longitudinal portion of the jaw connection wire. A grip is disposed around at least part of the sheath. A piston is disposed within the sheath and operatively connected to the grip such that the grip and piston move in relation to one another. The jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the piston for moving the first jaw in response to movement of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bovie Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Steve Livneh
  • Patent number: 8641713
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is disclosed including an end effector assembly having two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connectable to an electrosurgical energy source for conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are biased to the first position. The end effector assembly of the endoscopic forceps further includes a wire snare having a proximal end connectable to an electrosurgical energy source and a distal end translatably extending out of one of the jaw members and operatively associated with the other of the jaw members. In use, withdrawal of the proximal end of the wire snare results in movement of the jaw members from the first position to a second position and clamping of the tissue between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Joe D. Sartor, Gene H. Arts, Randel A. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8636761
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The housing includes a drive assembly operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. One or both of the first and second jaw members is pivotable about a living hinge from a first position to a clamping position. One or both of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end of the actuation tube via a cam pin that operatively engages the cam slot such that proximal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams at least one jaw member towards the other jaw member about the living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James S. Cunningham, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 8632563
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having including a fixed handle and a pivoting handle, an elongated treatment part operating rod connected to the pivoting handle which advances and retracts with the operation of the pivoting handle, an insertion part through which the operating rod is inserted, a pivoting base supported on the distal end portion of the insertion part via a pivoting shaft so that the pivoting base is free to pivot, an elongated pivoting base operating rod whose distal end portion is connected to the pivoting base which causes the pivoting base to pivot about the pivoting shaft, a treatment part base which is connected to the pivoting base, and on which a surgical treatment part which performs an opening-and-closing action is disposed, and a joint member having a plurality of universal joints connects the treatment part operating rod and the surgical treatment part disposed on the treatment part base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Nagase, Kazunori Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8628529
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, the end effector comprising first and second opposing jaw members, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members are moveable such that the first and second jaw members are transitionable between open and closed positions. The first jaw member may comprise a permanent magnet. The second jaw member may also comprise a magnet (e.g., permanent or soft). The magnetic motive force between the magnets of the first and second jaw members may attract each other to thereby reduce the external force required to transition the first and second jaw members to the closed position. In addition, the magnets may be configured to repeal each other to thereby aid in opening the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, David A. Witt, Mary E. Mootoo, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks
  • Publication number: 20140005701
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to ultrasonic blades. For example, an ultrasonic blade may comprise a proximally positioned straight section extending along a longitudinal axis and a distally positioned curved section coupled to the straight section and curved away from the longitudinal axis. The curved section may define a radius of curvature and subtend a first angle. A point of tangency between the curved section and the straight section may be positioned at either a node of the ultrasonic blade or an anti-node of the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Olson, Foster B. Stulen, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Daniel W. Price, Kevin L. Houser, Craig N. Faller, William D. Dannaher, Sora Rhee, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 8591500
    Abstract: A rotor of a treatment apparatus includes a first outer surface spaced apart from the longitudinal directions axis of a flexible tube section by a first distance in radial directions, and a second outer surface spaced apart from the longitudinal directions axis of the flexible tube section by a second distance smaller than the first distance in the radial directions. The treatment apparatus includes a first rotating operation wire extending from a wire fixing portion to the first outer surface, a second rotating operation wire extending from the wire fixing portion to the second outer surface, and a wire intersecting portion in which the first and second rotating operation wires intersect at positions apart from each other in a state that the second rotating operation wire is located on an inner direction side of the first rotating operation wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kimihiko Naito
  • Patent number: 8591525
    Abstract: The hemorrhoid ligation apparatus (10) includes a main cylinder (12) to which an O-ring (50) for ligating the hemorrhoid is to be attached on an outer circumferential surface of a front end portion, a sub cylinder (14) air-tightly and slidably provided inside the main cylinder (12), so as to suck the hemorrhoid into the front end portion of the main cylinder (12) upon being drawn toward a rear end portion of the main cylinder (12), an operating fluid loaded inside the sub cylinder (14), and a plunger (16) air-tightly and slidably provided inside the sub cylinder (14), so as to pressurize the operating fluid upon being squeezed toward a front end portion of the sub cylinder (14), to thereby squeeze the O-ring (50) toward the front end portion of the main cylinder (12) with the pressurized operating fluid, thus detaching the O-ring (50) from the main cylinder (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8540749
    Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, Jeffrey M. Roy, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8540748
    Abstract: A link is positioned to pivot at the distal end of a surgical instrument shaft. The link includes a pulley portion. A first control cable that pivots the link in one direction extends out of the surgical instrument shaft and crosses the width of the instrument in a first crossing direction. The first control cable is then routed around the pulley portion of the link in a first circumferential direction. Similarly, a second control cable that pivots the link in the opposite direction extends out of the surgical instrument shaft and crosses the width of the instrument in a second crossing direction. The second control cable is then routed around the pulley portion of the link in a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Murphy, Margaret M. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20130238017
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: DUANE E. KERR, GLENN A. HORNER
  • Publication number: 20130226226
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members one of which is movable with respect to the other. A heat activated drive assembly operably couples to an actuation mechanism that is operably associated with the forceps and configured to supply thermal energy to the heat activated drive assembly. The heat activated drive assembly operably coupled to movable jaw member and configured to impart movement of the movable jaw member when the actuation mechanism is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Covidien LP
  • Publication number: 20130218199
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Covidien LP.
  • Publication number: 20130218198
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Eric R. Larson, Russell D. Hempstead, John J. Kappus
  • Patent number: 8512317
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus includes a rotor which is provided between a distal-end treatment section and a flexible tube section and which is rotatable together with the distal-end treatment section in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section, a rotational operation wire which is configured to be pulled or loosened by a rotational operation section to rotate the distal-end treatment section, and a wire fixing portion which is provided to the rotor or to a part to the distal-end direction side of the rotor and to which a distal end of the rotational operation wire is fixed. The treatment apparatus includes a direction change portion which is configured to change an extending direction of the rotational operation wire extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the wire fixing portion, and configured to lead out the rotational operation wire to the rotational operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kimihiko Naito
  • Patent number: 8506590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Gold, David J. Danitz
  • Patent number: 8475490
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. A surgical access device can be configured to be positioned in tissue to provide access through a working channel of the access device to a body cavity underlying the tissue. The access device can include a sealing element positioned at least partially within the working channel. The sealing element can be formed of a puncturable self-sealing material such as a gel and/or a foam configured to provide a channel seal that seals the working channel when no instrument is inserted through the sealing element and configured to provide an instrument seal that provides a seal around one or more surgical instruments inserted through the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Daniel H. Duke, Daniel J. Mumaw, Katherine J. Schmid, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20130131666
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a stationary component, an elongate shaft extending from the stationary component, and an end effector located at the distal end of the shaft. The stationary component includes at least one contact portion adapted to be engaged by the fingers of a user, the instrument also including a movable component including a contact portion adapted to be engaged by the thumb of a user. Longitudinal movement between the contact portions of the movable component and the stationary component cause the movable component to move longitudinally with respect to the stationary component between a first proximal position, a second distal position, and a third position, the third position being distal of the second position by a relatively small distance. The movement of the movable component between the first and second positions causes a corresponding movement of the end effector between corresponding first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Gyrus Medical Limited
  • Patent number: 8439898
    Abstract: An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. In some embodiments, the handle includes a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Cang C. Lam, Stuart Moran, Tracy D. Maahs, John Fernando Rodriguez, Seferino Enrique Torres, Wesley Lummis
  • Patent number: 8425511
    Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes first and second longitudinal jaw halves. At least one of the first and second jaw halves of each jaw member is moveable with respect to the other jaw half between an aligned position and a displaced position for cutting tissue disposed between the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jessica E. C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8419765
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a swingable operating section formed of a pair of forceps which rock around a first rocking axis. A tubular sheath includes a distal end portion situated on a proximal end side of the operating section having a circular-section portion having a circular cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis and a pair of flat portions formed by cutting the opposite sides of the circular-section portion and in sliding contact with the proximal end portions of the forceps. A manipulator advances and retreats in a longitudinal direction of the sheath, thereby rocking the forceps. A junction connects the manipulator for rocking motion around a second rocking axis with respect to the forceps in the flat portions, and is situated on or near a reference plane passing through the longitudinal central axis of the sheath and extending parallel to the second rocking axis when the operating section is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8409247
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members one of which is movable with respect to the other. A heat activated drive assembly operably couples to an actuation mechanism that is operably associated with the forceps and configured to supply thermal energy to the heat activated drive assembly. The heat activated drive assembly operably coupled to movable jaw member and configured to impart movement of the movable jaw member when the actuation mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, Glenn A. Horner
  • Patent number: 8409112
    Abstract: A specimen collection bag includes a flexible bag with a bottom end and a mouth end. A sleeve extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the mouth end. The sleeve is adapted to receive the jaws of a grasping tool that are movable between a closed position and an open position. Opening the jaws causes the mouth end of the specimen collection bag to open and closing the jaws causes the mouth end of the specimen collection bag to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Surgical Principals, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Wynne, Jason Birch
  • Patent number: 8409246
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, David M. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20130066318
    Abstract: An end effector assembly is presented including a pair of first and second jaw members configured to move from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The end effector assembly further includes an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first and second jaw members relative to an elongated shaft attached to a flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. Additionally, a spring mechanism is disposed between a supporting member and a distal most end of the elongated shaft, the spring mechanism configured to apply constant sealing pressure between the first and second jaw members irrespective of angular displacement of the elongated shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Duane E. Kerr