With Switching Or Power Control Patents (Class 606/42)
  • Patent number: 8663219
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on each of the housing and the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David N. Heard, Duane Kerr, Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 8657817
    Abstract: The invention relates to an HF surgical instrument for treating, in particular for cutting and coagulating, biological tissue by means of an HF current. The HF surgical instrument comprises an HF generator for supplying an HF current to a cutting electrode and at least one control device for interrupting an HF current circuit. The control device comprises a current monitoring device, which detects the amplitude of the HF current and then generates a first switch-off signal when the HF current decreases over a defined period of time and/or the HF current falls below a threshold value characterizing a state of the treated tissue, as well as an arc monitoring device, which generates a second switch-off signal when an arc is formed between the cutting electrode and the tissue. The control device is configured in such a way that the HF current circuit is interrupted in response to the first switch-off signal or the second switch-off signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Erich Werner
  • Patent number: 8652134
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion that is configured to control an operation of the electronic apparatus and a heat-activated mechanical switch including, for example, a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material has a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the electronic apparatus is heated to a transition temperature. The shape-memory material disables the apparatus by acting on the circuit portion when the shape-memory material assumes the predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Kratoska, Kester J. Batchelor
  • Patent number: 8636733
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on each of the housing and the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David N. Heard
  • Patent number: 8632536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane Kerr, Monte Fry, Glenn A. Horner
  • Publication number: 20140018677
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical power generating source, an energy applicator operably associated with the electrosurgical power generating source, a heat-distribution indicator adapted to change echogenic properties in response to heat generated by energy delivered by the energy applicator, and a processor unit configured to generate at least one electrical signal for controlling at least one operating parameter associated with the electrosurgical power generating source. The system also includes an imaging system capable of acquiring image data. The imaging system is communicatively-coupled to the processor unit. The processor unit is adapted to determine an ablation rate at least in part based on analysis of one or more images acquired by the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: ALEXEY SHARONOV
  • Patent number: 8608735
    Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion shaft, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion into a body of a patient. A resilient end section is fixed to the distal end of the insertion shaft and is formed so as to define, when unconstrained, an arc oriented obliquely relative to the axis and having a center of curvature on the axis. One or more electrodes are disposed at respective locations along the end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Shahram Moaddeb, Michael Olen Zirkle, Christopher Beeckler, Philippa Hill, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Patent number: 8597292
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8591509
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Monte Fry, Duane Kerr, Arlan J. Reschke, David N. Heard, Glenn A. Horner
  • Patent number: 8594841
    Abstract: Methods of and a system for providing a visual representation of force information in a robotic surgical system. A real position of a surgical end effector is determined. A projected position of the surgical end effector if no force were applied against the end effector is also determined. Images representing the real and projected positions are output superimposed on a display. The offset between the two images provides a visual indication of a force applied to the end effector or to the kinematic chain that supports the end effector. In addition, tissue deformation information is determined and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyi Zhao, Tao Zhao, David Q. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20130304066
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided and includes a housing, a shaft and a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. Each jaw member including a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed thereon. A switch assembly operably disposed on the housing includes an activation member in operable communication with the source of electrosurgical energy for supplying electrosurgical energy to the first and second jaw members. Activation of the activation member provides electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing surfaces for sealing tissue and electrosurgical energy to the cutting element for cutting the sealed tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Robert J. Behnke, II, Alexander M. Waskiewicz, Paul R. Romero, Gary M. Couture
  • Publication number: 20130296846
    Abstract: An electrosurgical method and device for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue with an electrosurgical device having an electrode and a channel wherein said channel has a port near a proximal end of said electrode, wherein the method comprises the steps of causing an inert gas to flow through said channel and exit said port, applying high-frequency energy to said electrode while said inert gas flows through said channel, wherein said high-frequency energy applied to said electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting said port, initiating an electrical discharge from said electrode through said continuously plasmatized inert gas to said tissue, cutting tissue with said electrode, maintaining said electrical discharge from said electrode through said plasmatized inert gas while cutting tissue with said electrode to cause coagulation of said tissue simultaneously with said cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jerome Canady, Edson Vieira, Nicholas Vieira, Kimberly Wiley
  • Publication number: 20130289561
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical instrument having a housing that includes a generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and a controller configured to control the output of the generator. The instrument also includes a switch coupled to the controller and configured to provide a signal to the controller to select the energy modality of the electrosurgical energy. An indicator is also included to provide an indication of the selected energy modality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Luke Waaler, William E. Robinson, Jason L. Craig, Diana Gunnarson
  • Patent number: 8568398
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8568402
    Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electro surgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Casey M. Ladtkow, Brandon Gay
  • Patent number: 8568400
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided which includes a housing and an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally. The housing has a treatment portion attached and defining a chamber therein for retaining an activation circuit and a control circuit. The activation circuit is operably coupled to at least one activation element that is activatable to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy from a generator to tissue proximate the treatment portion. The control circuit includes a microprocessor to enable bidirectional communication between the electrosurgical instrument and the generator relating to usage information of the electrosurgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8562602
    Abstract: Electric field delivery and ablation of target tissue regions, including cancerous cells and solid tumors. Methods and systems include delivering an electric field to a target tissue, and may include positioning a first electrode or plurality to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue; positioning a second electrode or plurality to at least partially define a second treatment volume, the first volume is disposed in the second volume; and establishing a first current flow extending through the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Lazure Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Azure
  • Patent number: 8562598
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Patent number: 8556889
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20130267950
    Abstract: In a surgical instrument, a reciprocating element controls jaw opening and closing as it moves over a first range of motion and cuts tissue clamped between the jaws as it moves over a second range of motion. A first control input controls the reciprocating element's motion over the first range of motion, and a second control input controls the reciprocating element's motion over the second range of motion. As a result, over control by the first control input will not result in inadvertent tissue cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David J. ROSA, Salvatore J. BROGNA
  • Publication number: 20130261621
    Abstract: This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DFINE, INC.
    Inventors: Steve KRAMER, Kirti P. KAMDAR, Andrew KOHM, Robert POSER, Aaron GERMAIN
  • Patent number: 8529564
    Abstract: A medical electrocautery instrument assistant device is disclosed including a pump tube, a hollow sleeve tube on an end of the pump tube, and a tube interface on another end of the pump tube and opposite to the hollow sleeve tube. At least a clip is provided between the hollow sleeve tube and the tube interface, each clip forming a position adjusting portion and a clipping portion. Different types of electrocautery instruments remain optimal pump positions relative to the pump tube, drawing out waste blood water and the electrocautery smoke almost entirely, and avoiding hiding operation cuts from view during operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 8506565
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical instrument which further includes a housing having distal and proximal ends. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a light-emitting diode adapter having distal and proximal ends configured to selectively engage the distal end of the housing. The light-emitting diode adapter also includes at least one light-emitting diode disposed therein. The light-emitting diode is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and being selectively activatable to emit light from the adapter. The at least one electrode is configured to selectively engage the distal end of the light-emitting diode adapter and adapted to connect to the electrosurgical energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arnold V. DeCarlo
  • Publication number: 20130178852
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical pencil with integrated ligasure tweezers. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure the electrosurgical pencil includes an elongated housing having an open distal end and including an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. At least one of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. At least one switch is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Stephen M. Kendrick, Dennis W. Butcher, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8480666
    Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Casey M. Ladtkow, Brandon Gay
  • Patent number: 8475451
    Abstract: A medical plasma generator and its application are provided. In the medical plasma generator, a gas supply tube supplies a gas required for the generation of plasma. An internal electrode in a tube shape has a joined part joined to the end of the gas supply tube, and an extended part extended from the joined part. The extended part has a smaller diameter than the joined part, thereby allowing the gas to jet out with an increased speed when the gas passes through the internal electrode. A high voltage is applied to the internal electrode. A glass tube encloses the extended part of the internal electrode and protruding from the internal electrode. A ground electrode is formed on an outer surface of a protruding part of the glass tube. Interaction between the ground electrode and the internal electrode leads to ionization and discharge of the gas passing through the internal electrode, thereby generating plasma. A tubular cover covers the glass tube and is extended beyond the glass tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kwangwoon University Industry-Academic Collaboration Foundation
    Inventor: Guang-sup Cho
  • Patent number: 8460277
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed that includes a tool including a drive configured to be coupled to and drive an engaging member for engaging a workpiece and a release member configured to be displaced to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive. The end effector also includes a housing configured to receive at least a portion of the tool and a release actuator disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing to permit movement between a first position and a second position to displace the release member to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Suarez, Brian Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8454599
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus to treat living tissues by applying energy to the living tissues, includes an energy source which supplies energy, a pair of holding faces to hold the living tissues, a joining treatment portion arranged in at least one of the holding faces to join the living tissues held between the holding faces, a detection portion which detects, through the joining treatment portion, living information of the living tissues by supplying energy to the living tissues through the joining treatment portion, a fluid feed portion disposed on at least one of the holding faces to feed fluid to the living tissues, and the fluid fed from the fluid feed portion guides energy to the living tissues, and a control portion to control a feed rate of the fluid fed from the fluid feed portion based on the living information of the living tissues detected by the detection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Genri Inagaki, Takashi Mihori, Akinori Kabaya
  • Publication number: 20130116689
    Abstract: Joint temperature monitoring and control systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. The controller coupled to the probe can also be configured to set temperature limits and treatment times as well as moderating joint temperature by altering the electrically conductive fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION
    Inventor: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130103030
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having first and second actuators and a shaft extends therefrom. End effector attaches to shaft and includes a first actuating device and a tissue treatment member. First actuating device is actuated by first actuator and includes first and second jaw members that actuate relative to one another about the first pivot. In a first position, jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation and in a second position cooperate to perform a first surgical procedure on tissue positioned therebetween. Second actuator deploys tissue treatment member relative to first jaw member from a first condition to a second condition. Tissue treatment member contacts the first jaw member in a first condition and a portion of the tissue treatment member is spaced away from the first jaw member and forms a loop between the tissue treatment member and first jaw member in a second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: David M. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20130103031
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: David M. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20130096556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas M. Lorang, Mathew E. Mitchell, Karen Drucker, Kobi Iki
  • Publication number: 20130060249
    Abstract: A surgical treatment device which is used together with an endoscope, includes a sheath, a treatment portion which is arranged at the distal end portion of the sheath and includes first to third electrodes configured to treat a living tissue by using electrical energy, an operation portion which is arranged at a proximal end portion of the sheath and which is configured to operate the treatment portion, and a switching portion which is configured to switch between a first mode in which a treatment is given by using the first electrode and at least one of the second and third electrodes in the treatment portion and a second mode in which a treatment is given by using the second and third electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP., TERUMO CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: TERUMO CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
  • Publication number: 20130046302
    Abstract: A surgical system including one or two surgical gloves having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation, attached to fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The system may also include (i) a safety switch coupled to the glove for controlling the first surgical system so that the first surgical system will not operate unless both the first switch and the safety switch are actuated, or (ii) a shunt for controlling fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Different support systems may be included in each glove for a bilateral system or may be combined into a single glove system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: ANDREW I. SCHNEIDER
  • Patent number: 8372070
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument including a conducting section transmitting ultrasound vibration generated by an ultrasound transducer to a distal end portion and transmitting a high-frequency output signal to the distal end portion, an ultrasound drive section outputting an ultrasound drive signal to the ultrasound transducer, a high-frequency output section outputting a high-frequency output signal to the conducting section, a detection section detecting an ultrasound impedance of a surgical site to which ultrasound energy and high-frequency energy are provided from the distal end portion by outputting both signals simultaneously to the surgical instrument, a determination section determining whether the detected ultrasound impedance is in a predetermined range, and a control section performing control to increase a high-frequency output value by a first predetermined amount or decrease the high-frequency output value by a second predetermined amount when the detected ultrasound impedance i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kazue Tanaka, Satoshi Honda, Hideo Sanai
  • Publication number: 20130030432
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventor: COVIDIEN AG
  • Patent number: 8361063
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling energy delivery by mapping one or more devices capable of delivering energy, for example energy capable of modulating one or more properties of a tissue, to one or more sources of the energy or to one or more measuring devices. In some embodiments, associations between these components are determined by delivering energy through the energy sources and measuring a response using the measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Godara
  • Patent number: 8364237
    Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vessix Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Tom A. Steinke, Raphael M. Michel, Arthur G. Blanck
  • Patent number: 8348941
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for managing the treatment of a patient with respiratory disorders or symptoms. Respiratory parameters are sensed and recorded and communicated to an external device to provide information to a patient and/or provider for further treatment or diagnosis. Also respiratory disorders such as apnea or hypoventilation may be treated by electrically stimulating the diaphragm muscle or phrenic nerve in response to a sensed respiratory parameter or characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: RMX, LLC
    Inventor: Amir J. Tehrani
  • Patent number: 8344847
    Abstract: A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20120330307
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing configured to connect to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy and an electrode body coupled to the elongated housing. The electrode body includes an electrode face, first and second bipolar electrodes and a blade. The electrode face is formed on the distal end of the electrode body and includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis therethrough. The first and second electrodes have a leading edge and a trailing edge, are formed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and connect to opposed electrical potentials. The blade is positioned between the electrodes with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the electrode face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20120316553
    Abstract: An improved electrosurgical scalpel, with light emission, for generating electrical signals intended for applications to the body of a patient via an electrosurgical electrode is provided. An electrosurgical scalpel includes a handle with a receptacle portion of a conductive member for mounting and retaining an electrode blade, a light source with a power source encapsulated within the handle and a means to direct the light emitted outwardly towards the electrode tip. Operation of a switch on the handle to an on position serves to complete a circuit, activating the light source and, thereby directing light through an opening or upper portion and out from the first end of the handle towards the distal end of the electrode blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Carl Balog
  • Patent number: 8323277
    Abstract: A combined electrical and chemical stimulation lead is especially adapted for providing treatment to the spine and nervous system. The stimulation lead includes electrodes that may be selectively positioned along various portions of the stimulation lead in order to precisely direct electrical energy to ablate or electrically stimulate the target tissue. The invention also includes a method of activating electrodes in the electrical stimulation lead whereby an ablative lesion can be formed in a desired shape and size. The invention further includes a method of managing pain in a sacrum of a patient, and a method of assembling an electrical stimulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley D. Vilims
  • Patent number: 8319134
    Abstract: Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, whereby an array of identical multiple metal “frames” may be formed from a reel, then each frame separated and enclosed within molded plastic, and the resulting cabinet joined with a housing to create an inexpensive hand piece, for use with a high quality, reusable cable and plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: E Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Blomeyer
  • Patent number: 8313486
    Abstract: An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kim, Kyle R. Rick, Mani N. Prakash
  • Patent number: 8303579
    Abstract: The surgical operation system includes a treatment section for treating a living tissue of a treatment target; an ultrasound generation section for providing ultrasound to the treatment section; an ultrasound drive power supply section for supplying ultrasound drive power to generate ultrasound to the ultrasound generation section; a high-frequency power supply section for supplying high-frequency power to the treatment section; an impedance detection section for detecting the impedance of the ultrasound provided to the living tissue and the impedance of the high-frequency power supplied to the living tissue; and a control section for controlling the ultrasound energy amount and the amount of high-frequency power or a crest factor value thereof in response to the detected impedance values of ultrasound and high-frequency wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Norikiyo Shibata
  • Patent number: 8298228
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Coviden AG
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Michael C. Moses, David A. Schechter, Kristin D. Johnson, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn H. Mihaichuk
  • Patent number: 8292884
    Abstract: Novel apparatus and minimally invasive methods to treat atrioventricular valve regurgitation that is a result of tethering of chordae attaching atrioventricular valve leaflets to muscles of the heart, such as papillary muscles and muscles in the heart wall, thereby restricting the closure of the leaflets. Catheter embodiments for delivering and positioning chordal severing and elongating instruments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Emmanuel Messas
  • Patent number: 8292883
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus in the present invention has a high frequency power generation section which generates high frequency power to be applied to a living tissue, a voltage detection section which detects the voltage of the high frequency power, a current detection section which detects the current of the high frequency power, an impedance computation section which computes the impedance of the living tissue on the basis of the voltage and the current, and a control section which, when the impedance exceeds a predetermined threshold value, performs control for increasing the frequency of the high frequency power stepwise on the high frequency power generation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Akinori Kabaya, Takashi Mihori
  • Patent number: 8287528
    Abstract: A method for electrosurgically sealing a tissue includes steps of: (A) applying a first pulse of RF energy to the tissue; and (B) applying at least one subsequent RF energy pulse to the tissue and keeping constant or varying RF energy parameters of individual pulses of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least one characteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during the individual RF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of the at least one subsequent RF pulse upon a determination that the electrical transient is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Steven P. Buysse, James H. Orszulak