Hinge Or Latch Structure Patents (Class 606/208)
  • Patent number: 8951281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular medical instrument having a hollow shaft, a handle equipped with at least two gripping members and positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, and at least one push-pull rod that is mounted in the hollow shaft and has a tool consisting of at least two jaw members. For opening and closing at least one jaw member of the tool, said push-pull rod can be coupled with at last one rotatable gripping member of the handle, and the hollow shaft and handle can be releasably connected to one another by means of a coupling mechanism. To create a coupling mechanism that is simple to operate, it is proposed with the invention that the coupling mechanism should be configured as a combined clamping and snap-on device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Renger, Martin Blocher, Uwe Bacher
  • Patent number: 8945175
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a lever moveable from an initial position to an actuated position for moving an end effector assembly from a first to a second state. A pin extends from the lever. A cantilever spring is operably engaged to the housing of the instrument. A pin track member is operably engaged to the cantilever spring at a free end thereof. The pin track member is configured to permit translation of the pin therealong between a first position corresponding to the initial position of the lever and a second position corresponding to the actuated position of the lever. The pin is configured to translate from the first to the second position along a first path and from the second position back to the first position along a second path and is configured to be releasably retained in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: John R. Twomey
  • Patent number: 8936614
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators thereon, and an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing. First and second drive members extend through the elongated shaft to operatively couple respective actuators to respective jaw members such that independent manipulation of one of the actuators may induce pivotal movement of an individual jaw member. A locking member is operatively associated with the first and second drive members, and is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first and second drive members are coupled to one another and move concurrently to drive the jaw members in a bilateral manner. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the drive members are decoupled from one another and move independently to permit operation of the instrument in a unilateral manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James D. Allen, IV
  • Patent number: 8932212
    Abstract: A seal anchor member defines a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having leading and trailing ends, and including a plurality of lumens extending between the leading and trailing ends, each lumen being adapted for substantially sealed reception of an object therein and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two of the lumens define longitudinal axes that are non-parallel to facilitate angled, at-rest placement of multiple instruments within the seal anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gregory Okoniewski
  • Patent number: 8920461
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member is configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The guide member includes a tab extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engaged one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Unger, James D. Allen, IV, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20140379014
    Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal direction along which the endoscopic instrument extends from the proximal end to the distal end, an end effector on the distal end, which end effector has a first end effector part and a second end effector part, a connecting element on the distal end, on which connecting element the first and second end effector parts are mounted and which connecting element extends along a transverse direction, a first pushing element, a second pushing element, a third pushing element, and a fourth pushing element, wherein the pushing elements each extend along the longitudinal direction and are displaceable relative to one another along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first pushing element is articulately arranged at the first end effector part, the second pushing element is articulately arranged at the second end effector part, the third pushing element is articulately arranged at the connecting element, and the fourth pushing element is
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Omid Abri, Stephan Schrader, Jonas Forster
  • Patent number: 8882800
    Abstract: A medical instrument with a shank consisting of pivotable jaw parts and a handle, the two jaw parts of the tool are pivotable relative to each other independently via the handle and each of the pivotable jaw parts is actuated via a separate drive. One drive is designed as a grip part mounted pivotably on the handle and is connected to one jaw part via a first push/pull element mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the shank, and the other drive is an adjusting wheel rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shank and is connected to the other jaw part of the tool via a second push/pull element mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the shank. The push/pull element is designed as a push/pull rod, and the push/pull element which is coupled to the adjusting wheel is designed as a push/pull tube coaxially surrounding the push/pull rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: University of Dundee
    Inventor: Timothy Graham Frank
  • Patent number: 8870912
    Abstract: Methods for treating tissue, and surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed in which a single input is used to sequentially articulate two members. A surgical assembly includes an end effector, a base supporting the end effector, an input link movable relative to the base through a range of motion between a first configuration and a second configuration, and an actuation mechanism. The end effector includes a first articulated member and a second articulated member. The actuation mechanism drivingly couples the input link to the first articulated member within a first portion of the range of motion and drivingly coupling the input link with the second articulated member within a second portion of the range of motion so that a movement of the input link from the first configuration to the second configuration articulates the first articulated member and then articulates the second articulated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel F. Brisson, Alan Loh, Lawrence Kerver
  • Patent number: 8845653
    Abstract: The invention provides a forceps system comprising a pair of forceps members and force measurement means operable to measure compressive and traction forces exerted by the forceps when in use, and to output measurement signals indicative of such forces. Also provided is a method of measuring the compressive and traction forces exerted by a forceps system when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pro Medical Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Dale Steven Harper, John Aiden Nally, David John Townsend, Khaled Mostafa Kam Ismail
  • Patent number: 8845667
    Abstract: A surgical tool such as a grasper or a pair of surgical scissors includes a hinge portion that spans between a handle proximal portion and a distal working portion to communicate mechanical actions of the handle proximal portion to the distal working portion. A programmable rotary module is coupled to the hinge portion and includes a sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The sensor, actuator, and controller may be enclosed in a common housing. The sensor measures rotation of the distal working portion and the actuator generates haptic effects to the proximal handle portion. A controller is electrically connected to the sensor and to the actuator. The controller receives the rotation measurements from the sensor and, based upon the rotation measurements, outputs a control signal to the actuator relating to the generation of haptic effects. The haptic effects may include force sensations such as detents and barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez, Andrew Gosline, Christopher Ullrich
  • Patent number: 8840639
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle having a mechanical interface disposed thereon. An end effector assembly connected to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members movable relative to one another from an open to a clamping position. A drive assembly includes a resilient member. A lock assembly is pivotably coupled to the housing and in operative communication with the movable handle. The lock assembly is movable with the handle assembly. The mechanical interface moves along the lock assembly when the movable handle is moved proximally causing the lock assembly to rotate about the pivot point and into communication with the resilient member such that the resilient member is prevented from moving distally against the bias provided therefrom such that the first and second jaw members remain in the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gerhardt, Jr., Wayne Siebrecht, Keir Hart
  • Patent number: 8840638
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Danny A. Sherwinter
  • Publication number: 20140252061
    Abstract: A loading unit assembly includes a tool assembly having first and second jaw members and a pivot pin configured to pivotably couple the first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is movable with respect to the second jaw member between spaced and approximated positions, wherein the pivot pin includes a base portion and first and second stepped portions extending radially outward from the base portion. The first and second stepped portions are configured to pivotably engage the first and second jaw members, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Russell Estrella, David Farascioni, Daniel Butkievich
  • Publication number: 20140155933
    Abstract: A transmission adapter for a medical instrument with a shank, a transmission device movable in the shank, and a manipulating device with a first part, which can be coupled mechanically rigidly to a proximal end of the shank, 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Jochen Stefan, Daniel Kaercher
  • Publication number: 20140148807
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing that supports a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes coaxially aligned outer and inner shaft members. The inner shaft member is movable within the outer shaft member. An end effector includes a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft. At least one of the jaw members is pivotably coupled to the outer shaft and is movable between open and clamping configurations for grasping tissue. The inner shaft contacts a proximal end of the moveable jaw member to maintain the movable jaw member in the open configuration and is slidable against the movable jaw member to move the moveable jaw member between the open configuration and clamping configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: STEPHEN M. KENDRICK
  • Publication number: 20140135821
    Abstract: Surgical laparoscopic forceps include slidably actuatable needle lock to lock jaws of the forceps closed while holding a suture needle trapped in the jaws of the forceps. The needle lock can be a band, ring, clip or sleeve that can be selectively deployed and is sized and configured to fit in a trocar over a shaft of the forceps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Rashann Coleman
  • Publication number: 20140107697
    Abstract: Clamping forceps and associated methods are provided that generally include a head section including first and second clamp members configured to cooperatively clamp so as to at least partially encircle a tumor or other structure, an elongated body section in cooperation with the head section, and a clamping mechanism at least partially movably mounted with respect to the elongated body section. The clamping forceps may include a control mechanism for variably controlling the clamping force, at least one sensor mounted with respect to the clamp member(s), means for fixating the clamp member(s) relative to tissue, the first and second clamp members structured to define a variable perimeter extent, and a clamping mechanism which accommodates variable rates of clamping action. Actuation of the clamping mechanism generally maintains substantially parallel actuation of the first and second clamp members with respect to the tumor or the other anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CASTLE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paras Patani, Sanjeev Kaul, Aaron Asch, Rahman Nabulsi, James Brown
  • Publication number: 20140100602
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members moveable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. A drive bar is translatable between a distal and a proximal position for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A lever is moveable between an initial position and an actuated position for translating the drive bar between the distal and proximal positions. A sleeve disposed about the drive bar includes an annular track having a substantially radial segment(s) and a substantially longitudinal segment(s). A collar interdisposed between the sleeve and the drive bar includes a stop member(s) extending radially outwardly therefrom. The stop member(s) is engaged within the track and is translatable from a first position, wherein the stop member is positioned within the longitudinal segment, to a second position, wherein the stop member is engaged within the radial segment, to lock the lever in the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JOHN R. TWOMEY, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, KEIR HART
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8679140
    Abstract: At least on aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surgical clamping device, comprising first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, a gripping member disposed on the first shaft member, and a gear system disposed on the second shaft member and configured to receive the gripping member and incrementally lock the gripping member in at least one predefined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Dennis W. Butcher
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140058425
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a manually operated surgical device comprises a proximal control means portion for manually operating the device; and a see-through distal operative means portion operably coupled to the proximal control means, wherein the distal operative means portion is formed of a material that is different than the material forming the proximal control means portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Amir Porat
  • Patent number: 8647362
    Abstract: A deflecting method and deflecting apparatus allows the distal end of device, for example an endoscopic medical device, to be remotely and adjustably deflected from a straight configuration to a deflected configuration. Manipulating a proximal handle causes the deflection, controls actuation of an end effector assembly on the distal end, and straightens the deflecting apparatus back to its original configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Griego
  • Patent number: 8647341
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position wherein the movable jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to each other to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis and the drive flange is located generally along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr, Darion Peterson
  • Patent number: 8636762
    Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael P. Whitman, Peter T. Datcuk
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8603134
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members moveable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. A drive bar is translatable between a distal and a proximal position for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A lever is moveable between an initial position and an actuated position for translating the drive bar between the distal and proximal positions. A sleeve disposed about the drive bar includes an annular track having a substantially radial segment(s) and a substantially longitudinal segment(s). A collar interdisposed between the sleeve and the drive bar includes a stop member(s) extending radially outwardly therefrom. The stop member(s) is engaged within the track and is translatable from a first position, wherein the stop member is positioned within the longitudinal segment, to a second position, wherein the stop member is engaged within the radial segment, to lock the lever in the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, Russell Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Patent number: 8568442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical gripping and/or cutting instrument having a shaft on whose distal end a tool is positioned consisting of at least two jaw members and on whose proximal end a handle is positioned consisting of at least two gripping members. For opening and closing, at least one jaw member of the tool can move by means of a rotatably configured gripping member of the handle with respect to the other jaw member of the tool, and the rotatable gripping member of the handle can be secured by means of a notching mechanism on the at least one other gripping member of the handle, with the jaw members in an at least partly closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Blocher, Uwe Bacher
  • Publication number: 20130282052
    Abstract: A surgical device has a jaw assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw, a pivoting linkage, and a camming assembly configured to pivot the jaw assembly. A cam slot having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion may have a Y shaped configuration. A flexible shaft allows further pivoting of the jaw assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Dwight G. Bronson, David C. Racenet
  • Patent number: 8562641
    Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gregory Piskun
  • Patent number: 8551077
    Abstract: A handle for a surgical instrument used in keyhole, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgery, having a pivoting or articulated end portion and a mechanism for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing mechanism allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion for improved control and tactile feedback to the user. The handle also has a mechanism for locking and unlocking movement of the end portion whereby the end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking mechanism moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion, thus holding it at the desired angle to achieve the improved control and tactile feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Surgical Innovations Limited
    Inventors: David Main, Anna Sophia Hellinga, Peter Moran
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8535348
    Abstract: The surgical needle holder includes two elongated arms having scissor finger loops on one end and a pair of needle gripping jaws on the opposite end. The elongated arms are pivotally attached to each other. ? first jaw is pivotally mounted via an actuator rod interconnecting the first jaw to one of the arms, opening and closing with respect to the second jaw as the elongated arms pivot with respect to each other. The jaws are designed to grip a surgical needle when in the closed position. Ratchet lock members attached to the elongated arms lock the jaws in the closed position in a manner similar to the locking of a hemostat. Mechanical configuration of the needle holder allows motion of the needles to be along any plane parallel to the longitudinal axle of the device while the surgeon's hand is in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Hasan M. Sh. Sh. Alshemari
  • Patent number: 8523900
    Abstract: A medical manipulator includes a wire movable in opposite directions, a driven wire having both ends thereof connected to the wire, an end effector of a distal-end working unit, a transmitting member, a crescent driven member integral with the transmitting member, and a return pulley. The transmitting member, the crescent driven member, and the return pulley are successively arranged in this order from the proximal end of the medical manipulator. When the driven wire is moved in opposite directions, the transmitting member also moves in opposite directions. At this time, the crescent driven member moves toward the return pulley, and the proximal-end portion of the return pulley enters a cavity of the crescent driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Jinno, Shunsuke Iwayoshi
  • 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: 8500747
    Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant. The extractor instruments can include a shaft assembly, an actuator assembly at a proximal end of said shaft assembly, and an engaging assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The engaging assembly includes a support member fixedly coupled with and extending distally from the shaft assembly and a clamping member coupled with at least one of the shaft assembly and the support member. The actuator assembly is operably linked to the clamping member with the shaft assembly to move the clamping member toward the support member with the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. DeRidder, Brian Robert Thoren
  • Publication number: 20130193189
    Abstract: A surgical tool configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member from a closed position to an open position in response to at least one axial motion. In addition, the surgical tool includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion and a motion conversion assembly operably coupled to the motor and the second jaw member, wherein the motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to the at least one axial motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventor: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130150868
    Abstract: Stomach tissue is manipulated to form, for example, a restored flap of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The manipulation includes gripping stomach tissue from within the stomach while the stomach is inflated to promote visualization and stabilization of the gripped stomach tissue. Once the stomach tissue is gripped, the stomach is deflated and pulled into a mold. The molded tissue is then fastened with at least one fastener. The stomach is inflated to a first pressure during visualization and then to a second higher pressure during the stomach tissue gripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan J. M. KRAEMER, Brett J. Carter
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130096608
    Abstract: Pliers, in particular for surgical purposes, comprises a first plier half and a second plier half, wherein the plier halves are connected to each other via at least one joint, and wherein at least one of the plier halves is provided with at least one rinsing channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KARL STORZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Robert Bogdoll
  • Publication number: 20130079774
    Abstract: An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw assemblies pivotably mounted with respect to one another. The first jaw assembly includes a first jaw member including a first arm member defining one or more apertures at least partially therethrough and a first support base extending distally therefrom, wherein an engagement structure of the first arm member is joined to an engagement structure of the first support base. The second jaw assembly includes a second jaw member including a second arm member defining one or more apertures at least partially therethrough and a second support base extending distally therefrom, wherein an engagement structure of the second arm member is joined to an engagement structure of the second support base. One or more pivot pins are engaged with the one or more apertures of the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: William Ross Whitney, Michael B. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8398674
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a hollow shank and an instrument section arranged pivotable to the hollow shank proximate the distal end of this hollow shank. An instrument part is mounted in an axially movable manner in the pivotable instrument section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Prestel
  • Patent number: 8394120
    Abstract: An end effector assembly with increased clamping force for a surgical instrument including a hollow shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a clevis coupled to the distal end of the hollow shaft, a flat support coupled to the clevis, a deflection member, a procedural member assembly rotatably coupled to the flat support and a pair of actuation means attached to the procedural member assembly and slidable relative to the hollow shaft for rotationally moving the procedural member assembly between a closed and an open position wherein the deflection member engaged the actuation means. The deflection member may be integral with the clevis, coupled to the clevis and the flat support, coupled to just the flat support, may be adjustable or rotatable or coupled to hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jacek Krzyzanowski
  • Patent number: 8388646
    Abstract: A jaw member for use with an electrosurgical forceps includes a support member having a first surface and a pair of depending sides which extend therefrom forming a generally U-shaped configuration. The free end of the sides each including a flange which extends outwardly therefrom which is designed to attach to an electrically conductive plate such that the plate bridge the two flanges to enclose the U-shaped support member to form a box-like skeleton having a cavity defined therein. An insulative material is disposed within the cavity and an insulative cover is disposed about a periphery of the box-like support skeleton to insulate surrounding tissue during activation of the conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 8382777
    Abstract: The surgical needle holder has two elongated arms that end in expansions in the form of scissor finger loops for introducing the fingers and correspondingly actuating both arms. The elongated arms are pivotally attached to each other and have pivotally mounted jaws at the ends of the elongated arms. Bevel gear mechanisms interface the elongated arms with the pivotally mounted jaws so that separating the finger loops separates the jaws, and bringing the finger loops together closes the jaws to grip a surgical needle. The needle holder has ratchet lock members extending towards each other between the elongated arms in order to lock the jaws on the surgical needle, similar to the locking of a hemostat. By applying this gear configuration, the motion of needles will be along any plane parallel to the longitudinal axle of the device while the surgeon's hand is in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hasan M. Sh. Sh. Alshemari
  • Patent number: 8377049
    Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument which can provide a field of view over a surgical site by sucking blood from a bleeding site during surgery on body tissue of a patient and monitoring a dark and deep surgical site, which an operator cannot see with his or her naked eye, with a small camera. The surgical instrument has substantially the same shape as a pair of scissors and includes a first body, a second body having a shape symmetrical to that of the first body, a hinge to which the first and second bodies cross and are rotatably coupled, and a photographing unit provided in the hinge to photograph a surgical site between front ends of the first and second bodies. The photographing unit may include a camera mounted in the hinge such that lens of the camera can be exposed through the center of the front surface of the hinge and configured to transmit a photographed image data to a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Cancer Center
    Inventors: Seong-Yeon Cho, Sang-Jae Park, Kwang-Gi Kim
  • Publication number: 20130041403
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. A pair of drive cables extends through the elongated shaft and is coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of torsion members that are rotatable about two distinct axes in response to movement of the actuator. A respective follower is operatively coupled to each torsion member to translate in a respective longitudinal direction in response to rotation of the torsion members, and each follower is coupled to a respective drive cable to impart translational motion thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: COVIDIEN LP
  • Publication number: 20130030428
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. The end effector is operable to grasp tissue. The elongate shaft extends between the end effector and the handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a body portion, a trigger, and a trigger return lever. The trigger is movable relative to the body portion from a home position to an actuated position, and is thereby operable to control the end effector to selectively grasp tissue. The trigger includes a cam feature. The trigger return lever is positioned to engage the cam feature of the trigger. The trigger return lever is configured to bias the trigger toward the home position during at least part of a range of motion of the trigger from the home position to the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY INC.
    Inventor: Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.