Bipolar Electrodes Patents (Class 606/50)
-
Patent number: 10993733Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The second jaw member is both proximally offset and spaced-apart from the first jaw member. One or more resilient bands extends between and interconnects the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The resilient band(s) is configured to bias the first and second jaw members towards an open position. The resilient band(s) is configured to flex in response to distal translation of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to thereby move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to a closed position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. In the closed position, the second jaw member is disposed in an aligned orientation and is approximated relative to the first jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Jason G. Weihe
-
Patent number: 10987123Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10881450Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle, elongate shaft protruding from handle and end-effector located at end of shaft is described. To allow for rotation of the end-effector the shaft is connected to a rotation wheel mounted on handle, towards rearward end of handle proximal to the user. The rotation wheel is in the form of a thumbwheel, having an ergonomically designed shape that tapers from distal direction to proximal direction, with angle of the taper matching angle of the outer surface of the handle. The outer tapered surface of the thumbwheel has a number of shaped cut-out or scalloped portions arranged around the outer circumference of the wheel, and arranged in use to receive the tip of a user's thumb to allow the user to rotate the wheel in order to set the rotational orientation of the end-effector. Such an arrangement provides a comfortable and easy to use instrument.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITEDInventor: Marno Nagtegaal
-
Patent number: 10881446Abstract: Surgical tools are provided herein that have a housing and an elongate tool shaft extending from the housing with an end effector on a distal end thereof. The end effectors deliver electrical energy onto and/or through tissue, and the end effectors are configured to display at least one location of one or more paths of the electrical energy through the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventor: Geoffrey S. Strobl
-
Patent number: 10722232Abstract: A surgical system comprising an RF energy source, a first cartridge including a first electrode, a second cartridge including fasteners and fastener drivers, and a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a shaft, a drive member, and an end effector articulable relative to the shaft. The end effector comprises an anvil and an elongate channel selectively and interchangeably attachable to either one of the first cartridge and the second cartridge. The anvil comprises a second electrode configured to cooperate with the first electrode to deliver RF energy, and anvil pockets configured to cooperate with the fastener drivers to form the fasteners. The first cartridge completes an RF energy circuit connecting the RF energy source to the first electrode when attached to the elongate channel. The fastener drivers are configured to be driven by the drive member when the second cartridge is attached to the elongate channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, James R. Giordano
-
Patent number: 10617462Abstract: A medical device that includes a support member, a heat insulator provided on at least a portion of a first surface of the support member, an energy output member configured to output energy, the energy output member provided on at least a portion of a first surface of the heat insulator, the output energy configured to treat biological tissue and a heat conductor provided on at least a portion of the first surface of the support member and contacting a second surface of the heat insulator, the second surface of the heat insulator opposite the first surface of the heat insulator, wherein a portion of the support member is located proximal than the energy output, and the energy output member is configured to transfer heat to the heat insulator, and wherein the heat conductor is configured to conduct the heat from the heat insulator to the support member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Yusuke Takei, Tomoyuki Takashino, Kazuhiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 10603044Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating tissue during use of a diagnostic scanning device. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an actuating mechanism and an end effector assembly. The actuating mechanism is configured to activate the end effector assembly to treat tissue. At least a portion of the end effector is made of a material that is compatible with the diagnostic scanning device and allows a user to insert and activate the end effector to treat tissue at a surgical site within a patient while the surgical site is monitored during diagnostic scanning device.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Joshua Benjamin Stopek
-
Patent number: 10537383Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector grasps, cuts, and seals and/or coagulates tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism has an actuator, drive shaft and flanged component for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft whose movement controls the end effector. The actuator has a collar portion arranged to receive and retain the component. The component is free to rotate within the collar and has a keyhole-shaped arrangement, with a wider upper portion, and narrower lower portion to provide a sliding fit to the component main body. The component can be inserted into the wider upper portion, and then the main body of the component lowered into the narrower lower portion, with the flange of the component helping the component to be retained therein axially.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITEDInventor: Marno Nagtegaal
-
Patent number: 10537384Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Jeff Unger, Robert Sharp
-
Patent number: 10448990Abstract: An electrosurgical probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a distal electrical insulator, a proximal electrical insulator, a distal electrical conductor defining a distal electrode with a closed distal end and a proximal electrical conductor defining a proximal electrode, the distal electrode longitudinally spaced apart and electrically isolated from the proximal electrode by the distal electrical insulator. The distal electrode has a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the distal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed distal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid. The proximal electrode has a closed distal end formed by a proximal face of the distal electrical insulator and a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the proximal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed proximal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: MEDTRONIC HOLDING COMPANY SÀRLInventors: Neil Godara, Jason Woo, Emily Won
-
Patent number: 10368898Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an elongated assembly releasably engagable with an ultrasonic transducer and including a waveguide having a blade at a distal end and a torque adapter towards a proximal end. Fixed and movable sleeves are disposed about the waveguide and support and operably couple to a jaw member at the respective distal ends thereof. A drive tube is fixed to the movable sleeve such that translation of the drive tube pivots the jaw member relative to the blade. A torque housing is slidably disposed about the drive tube, longitudinally fixed about the fixed sleeve, and fixedly about the torque adapter. A rotation knob is longitudinally fixed about the torque housing and operably coupled to the torque housing such that the torque housing and the rotation knob cooperate to define a torque wrench inhibit application of additional torque to the waveguide above a torque limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Michael J. Brown, Jason L. Craig
-
Patent number: 10321952Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a catheter including an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough, a distal tip connected to the distal end of the elongated body and including a first electrode and a second electrode extending thereabout, the first electrode extending to a distal opening of the lumen and a first needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the first needle slidably received within the lumen of the catheter to be moved between a retracted bipolar configuration, in which the distal end of the needle is proximal the distal opening of the catheter, and an extended monopolar configuration, in which the distal end of the first needle extends distally past the distal opening of the catheter so that the first needle contacts the first electrode and is configured to cut tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Robert B. Devries, Peter L. Dayton, Paul Smith
-
Patent number: 10154786Abstract: The instrument according to the invention for electrosurgically impacting biological tissue comprises an electrode (18) as well as a light guide (21), which is connected to a light inlet window (19), which is formed by means of a fluid body (27). The light guide is connected to a light analysis device (13), so as to absorb the light, which is generated at the electrode (18) in response to the HF surgery and so as to supply it to the light analysis device (13). The light inlet window (19) is arranged at the point of origin of the light, namely immediately at the electrode, that is, at the spark, which is generated. An adulteration of the absorbed light by means of smoke or particle deposition on the light inlet window (19) can virtually be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbHInventors: Klaus Fischer, Alexander Neugebauer, Dominik Spether, Markus Enderle
-
Patent number: 10130417Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical probe configured for applying electrical energy to tissue includes a first tubular electrode carried by a probe shaft and having a distal end, a second tubular electrode carried by the probe shaft and having a proximal end, and an insulation member, wherein at least a portion of the insulation member is disposed between overlapping ends of the first and second tubular electrodes, wherein the distal end of the first electrode defines at least one aperture extending through a wall of the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Kimbolt Young, Rollie E. McCallister
-
Patent number: 10034703Abstract: A control device is a control device for an energy treatment tool including a first holding member and a second holding member which hold a biological tissue, and a heating element configured to generate heat corresponding to supplied power, thereby heating a holding surface. The control device includes a temperature acquiring section that acquires a temperature of the heating element; and a surface temperature estimating section that estimates, as a surface temperature, a temperature of at least a part of a surface of the first holding member which is different from a portion facing the second holding member, based on a change of the temperature of the heating element after supply of the power is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Yusuke Takei, Kazuhiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 9999544Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: George Baerveldt, Roy Chuck
-
Patent number: 9993278Abstract: A method of treating abnormal tissue within a patient includes positioning a delivery cannula within the patient, the delivery cannula having a first electrode disposed on its distal end; introducing an ablation probe through the cannula and out an open distal end thereof, so that a second ablation electrode carried on the ablation probe contacts abnormal tissue within the patient; conveying ablation energy between the first and second ablation electrodes to ablate the abnormal tissue; and introducing a separate medical element, whether a device or a therapeutic agent, through the cannula before or after the ablation process.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Paul DiCarlo, Steve Anderson
-
Patent number: 9993284Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises an end effector disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft and including a first jaw and a second jaw that is selectively pivotable toward and away from the first jaw to capture tissue. A trigger is configured to move the second jaw toward and away from the first jaw. The locking mechanism in the locked state is configured to allow movement of the second jaw along a first path where a relative angle between the first jaw and the second jaw is limited to a first maximum angle. The locking mechanism in the unlocked state is configured to allow movement of the second jaw along a second path where the relative angle between the first jaw and the second jaw is limited to a second maximum angle. The second maximum angle is greater than the first maximum angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
-
Patent number: 9931157Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for controlling temperature are described herein and can have particular utility when sealing tissue. In one embodiment, an end effector can include first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween, and an electrode having a single continuous conductive surface that is coupled to the first jaw member. The end effector can also include a plurality of electrical insulators of varying thermal conductivity disposed between the electrode and the first jaw member coupled thereto. The electrode can be divided into a plurality of thermal zones by at least one opening formed therein and the plurality of electrical insulators can be arranged such that at least a first thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a first thermal conductivity and at least a second thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Geoffrey S. Strobl, Alex Kiturkes, David C. Yates
-
Patent number: 9848937Abstract: A surgical end effector has a first jaw comprising a first electrode and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration, an approximated configuration, and a fully approximated configuration. The second jaw includes a second electrode and a spacer extending from the second electrode, wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the first electrode and the second electrode when the end effector is in the fully approximated configuration, wherein the spacer is in contact with the first electrode in the fully approximated configuration, wherein the spacer is spaced apart from the first electrode in the open configuration, and wherein the spacer is comprised of a semi-conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Gregory A. Trees, Geoffrey S. Strobl
-
Patent number: 9820806Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a switch assembly that includes a supporting member, a flexible membrane circuit having snap dome switch contacts operably fixed thereto, and ergonomically-contoured keytops. The switch assembly provides at least one monopolar activation switch, and a bipolar activation switch. The forceps also include a drive mechanism which causes the jaw members to move relative to one another for manipulating tissue. A monopolar safety switch is incorporated into the switch assembly which cooperates with the drive mechanism to inhibit the monopolar activation switch when the jaw members are in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Weng-Kai K. Lee, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Scott N. LaCosta, Jason T. Sanders, Grant T. Sims
-
Patent number: 9737648Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Nico CorporationInventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
-
Patent number: 9724014Abstract: An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Anthony D. Hill, D. Curtis Deno, Ram Balachandran, Braden Eliason
-
Patent number: 9706999Abstract: A tissue resection method of resecting a portion of a hollow organ includes a first step of specifying a position and a range of a resection target tissue from the inside of the hollow organ and showing the position and the range in a visually recognizable manner from the inside of a body cavity; a second step of bringing a bioabsorbable member introduced into the body cavity into contact with the resection target tissue and pressing the resection target tissue, thereby inverting the resection target tissue to the inside of the hollow organ; and a third step of resecting the inverted resection target tissue over all layers from the inside of the hollow organ and performing anastomosis of a hole formed in the hollow organ from the inside of the hollow organ.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Kosuke Motai
-
Patent number: 9675402Abstract: A treatment device for a medical treatment heats a biotissue. The device includes first and second heat transfer portions which come in contact with the biotissue. The device includes first and second resistance elements which are supplied a power having a first power value and a second power value to heat the first heat transfer portion and second heat transfer portion, respectively. The device includes temperature acquiring section which acquires a first temperature of the first heat transfer portion. The device includes a control section which calculates the first power value based on the first temperature, and determines the second power value corresponding to the first power value. The device includes first and second power supplying sections which supply the power having the first and second power value to the first and second resistance elements, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Shinji Yasunaga
-
Patent number: 9579143Abstract: A surgical tool system including a laparoscopic surgical tool for heating, ablating, sealing, and/or dissecting tissue, a control system for monitoring impedance of the tissue during treatment thereof, and a tactile feedback system integrated onto a handle of the tool that generates relevant feedback from the control system in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The tactile feedback alerts the tool user of changes in tissue properties, i.e., when the impedance of the tissue indicates that the treatment procedure is complete. In addition, the tactile feedback provided may supply information relating to the operating status of the control system to the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Christopher Ullrich, Pedro Gregorio
-
Patent number: 9545253Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The handle assembly includes a rotary member positioned within an intermediate section of the handle assembly. The rotary member is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotary member is operable to control the articulation section of the shaft. The rotary member may include opposing thread sections that simultaneously drive lead screws in opposite longitudinal directions, to thereby control the articulation section. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the handle assembly, and the apparatus may selectively lock or resist such rotation based on the articulation state of the articulation section.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
-
Patent number: 9474562Abstract: A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the walls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, David Trottingwolf Aldridge, David K. Wrolstad, Mark A. Ritchart, Jeffrey E. Hull, Gene Reu
-
Patent number: 9474893Abstract: Disclosed therein is a tip structure for a skin care apparatus. The tip structure includes a first electrode formed on a substrate mounted on the front end part of a tip case and a second electrode formed on the periphery of the front end part of the tip case so as to provide a wide electrode area. The tip structure for the skin care apparatus, which supplies high frequency energy to the skin through electrodes formed at the front end portion of the tip case, includes: a first electrode formed on the substrate mounted on the front end part of the tip case; and a second electrode formed on a peripheral portion of the front end part of the tip case.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: EUNSUNG GLOBAL CORPORATIONInventor: Ki Se Lee
-
Patent number: 9474570Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
-
Patent number: 9427278Abstract: An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.Inventor: David K. Swanson
-
Patent number: 9421063Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Scopton, John A. Griego, Stephen J. Perry, William J. Shaw
-
Patent number: 9402680Abstract: An actuator for use in a surgical instrument, the actuator includes an upper portion configured to be actuated by one or more fingers, wherein the upper portion has an upper distal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a first mode of operation, and an upper proximal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a second mode of operation, and wherein the upper distal portion and the upper proximal portion have different respective tactile configurations for informing the user of the first and second modes of operation, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASULAR, LLCInventors: Fred Ginnebaugh, Joseph N. Lamberti, Rohit Girotra
-
Patent number: 9375232Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one compression element. The cutting member includes a cutting edge and is configured to translate with respect to the first jaw between a retracted position and a fully advanced position. The at least one compression element extends distally from the cutting member, wherein the at least one compression element is configured to contact the first jaw such that the first jaw rotates with respect to the second jaw between an open configuration and a closed configuration when the cutting member translates with respect to the first jaw, wherein the at least one compression element comprises a rotatable member, and wherein the rotatable member is configured to be advanced ahead of the cutting edge as the cutting member translates to the fully advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: John V. Hunt, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Gavin M. Monson, Suzanne E. Thompson
-
Patent number: 9370397Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for ablating cartilage while limiting collateral damage includes a non-conducting head with a small electrically conductive surface. The head of the instrument is coupled to a shaft by a flexible portion. The flexible portion biases the electrically conductive surface towards a tissue surface. The head is pivotably coupled to the shaft such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface as the head slides across the tissue surface. A method of performing electrosurgery includes positioning the electrically conductive surface adjacent to the tissue surface, and sliding the shaft across the tissue surface with the head pivoting such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Kobi Iki, William M. Ambrisco, Douglas M. Lorang, Alan P. Gannon, Richard M. Ranalli, Mathew E. Mitchell, Mark Markel, Ryland B. Edwards, III
-
Patent number: 9333002Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure that is operably associated with the shaft and is operably disposed adjacent the end effector assembly. One of a driving structure guide and movable cam operably couples to the driving structure and is configured to facilitate movement of the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: David M. Garrison
-
Patent number: 9241728Abstract: A nested trigger assembly for a surgical instrument may generally comprise a first trigger and a second trigger, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are movable together on a first stroke of the nested trigger assembly, wherein the second trigger is configured to be biased away from the first trigger after the first stroke and before a second stroke, and wherein the second trigger is configured to be moved toward to the first trigger during the second stroke. A surgical instrument may generally comprise a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a handle extending from the proximal end, wherein the handle comprises a gripping portion, and a nested trigger assembly extending from the handle. The nested trigger assemble may comprise one of a separable trigger assembly and a divisible trigger assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Prasanna Malaviya, Robert J. Beetel, III, Timothy G. Dietz, David A. Witt, Douglas J. Turner, David K. Norvell, John A. Weed, III, Kevin D. Felder, Kevin L. Houser, Paul T. Franer, Craig N. Faller, Craig T. Davis
-
Patent number: 9198683Abstract: Systems and methods capture and/or occlusion of selected body tissue using various tissue characteristics and/or techniques are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to capture the left atrial appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignees: AEGIS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS, INC., MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCHInventors: Paul A. Friedman, Charles J. Bruce, Samuel J. Asirvatham, Trevor A. McCaw, Elliot Y. K. Hong
-
Patent number: 9192427Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for cutting tissue includes a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a first electrode having a first pre-selected shape and a first distal edge, and a second electrode disposed in spaced relation relative to the first electrode. The second electrode includes a second pre-selected shape and a second distal edge, where the first distal edge and the second distal edge form an electrically conductive tissue cutting surface extending along the distal end of the instrument. The tissue cutting surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue cutting surface is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue adjacent thereto to effectively cut tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture
-
Patent number: 9113944Abstract: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying, energy to tissue. In one embodiment, an elongated introducer has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid under pressure. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a flow of vapor media from the working end of the introducer. The flow of vapor is controlled by a computer controller to cause a selected pressure, a selected volume of vapor, and an optional aspiration of vapor condensate. Contemporaneous with tissue contact, the vapor undergoes a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLCInventor: John H. Shadduck
-
Patent number: 9101386Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating target tissue in a patient's spine. In general, the methods include the steps of advancing a wire into the patient from a first location, through a neural foramen, and out of the patient from a second location; connecting a tissue modification device to the wire; positioning the tissue modification device through the neural foramen using the wire; modifying target tissue in the spine by moving the tissue modification device against the target tissue; and delivering an agent to modified target tissue, wherein the agent is configured to inhibit blood flow from the modified target tissue. In some embodiments, the step of modifying target tissue comprises removing target tissue located ventral to the superior articular process while avoiding non-target tissue located lateral to the superior articular process.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Amendia, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Wallace, Robert Garabedian, Gregory B. Arcenio, Jeffery L. Bleich, Vahid Saadat, Winnie Chung
-
Patent number: 9089339Abstract: An EP catheter includes a tip electrode having a core primarily comprised of copper with an outer layer of a biocompatible metal disposed thereon exhibits appropriate electrical and thermal conduction characteristics while being cost-effective to produce. Alternatively, an inner layer of a biocompatible metal is disposed on the inside of the primarily copper core. Such a tip electrode may also be provided with irrigation lumens. Such a tip electrode could be manufactured from sheets of metal that upon extrusion would comprise the outer layer, core and optional inner layer respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Inventor: Benjamin David McDaniel
-
Patent number: 9078662Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment region. The apparatus can comprise an electrode ring having an interior perimeter and an electrode probe having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode probe can be structured to axially translate relative to the interior perimeter of the electrode ring. The electrode ring and the electrode probe can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of the electrode ring and the electrode probe is energized by an energy source. Further, the energy source can be a Radio Frequency (RF) energy source, a pulsed energy source, an irreversible electroporation energy source, or a pulsed irreversible electroporation energy source. A current from the energy source can be selected to non-thermally ablate tissue in the tissue treatment region.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Peter K. Shires, Gary L. Long
-
Publication number: 20150141991Abstract: A medical coagulation instrument having a shaft as well as at least one electrode tip that extends beyond the distal end of the shaft. To create a coagulation instrument whose electrodes are of simple structure and ensure an atraumatic and safe handling, at least one electrode tip should be widened or be configured as widening in the distal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Uwe Bacher, Rainer Hermle, Andreas Efinger, Hans-Peter Eisele
-
Patent number: 9033974Abstract: A surgical cautery device, system, and method of use may apply bipolar and/or sesquipolar electrocautery to target tissue via a pair of instruments with other primary surgical functions. The surgical cautery device and system may include first and second elements capable of forming an electrical circuit. The second element may be independently positionable with respect to the first element. The first and second elements may also include a surgical component with an independent surgical function. Exemplary surgical components include a rotary blade, a cutting tool, a grasper tool, a micro-scissors tool, a micro-grasping forceps tool, a dissector, a micro-dissector, curette, and a suction cannula. On some occasions, one of the surgical components may be interchangeable with another surgical component.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Gabriel Zada
-
Patent number: 9033981Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to effect a tissue seal to tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is included within the housing for moving the jaw members. A movable handle is also included, and movement thereof actuates the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other. A knife channel is included within the end effector configured to allow reciprocation of a knife blade within the knife channel. The knife blade includes a proximal edge adapted to engage a proximal edge of the end effector to impede translation of the knife blade when the jaw members are in an open configuration and the knife blade is retracted within the end effector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jessica E. Olson, Jeffrey R. Unger
-
Catheter for percutaneous transcatheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias using bipolar radiofrequency
Patent number: 9033980Abstract: A catheter that distributes bipolar radiofrequency for use during the percutaneous ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The catheter comprising a flexible sheath, a handle, a pull-wire, holes for irrigation in its distal tip, sensing means and electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Massimo Grimaldi -
Publication number: 20150133927Abstract: The invention relates to a stent provided with cauterization system. A stent operating apparatus in which a stent moves to a lesion of a tubular tissue through a plurality of pipe members and performs an operation includes: a bipolar electrode for cauterization configured to be disposed at an operation end of the pipe member to cauterize the lesion; and a high frequency generator configured to be connected to the bipolar electrode for cauterization to allow the bipolar electrode for cauterization radiate a high frequency current, whereby the lesion may be cauterized and necrotized by the bipolar electrode of a tip portion of a moving pipe charged with the stent before or after the stent is operated on the lesion, thereby effectively preventing a re-stricture from occurring at the lesion operated by the stent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Taewoong Medical Co. LtdInventors: Kyung Min Shin, Kyung Hoon Shin, Dong Un Kim
-
Patent number: 9031667Abstract: A method and device for inducing anaesthesia in mammals by the application of RF energy to create hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia. An RF generator drives a plurality of electrodes placed in tissue surrounding the target nerve fiber to desiccate the desired length of nerve fiber to be desiccated in a single deployment. The device allows high-speed selection/de-selection of bipolar electrode pairs or sets under continuous RF excitation. Activation of electrode pairs is adapted in response to sensed current density and temperature (by electrodes not in the current discharge activation phase) in order to create lesions of complex and well defined shape necessary for the production of hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: InterventionTechnology Pty LtdInventor: Donald V. Williams
-
Patent number: 9028491Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece comprising a squeezable handle connected to extend and retract bipolar electrodes from a rigid tubular member. The bipolar electrodes comprise active separable distal ends and connecting links configured such that when the handle is unsqueezed, the active distal ends protrude from the distal end of the first tubular member and are adjacent one another, and when the handle is fully squeezed, the active distal ends are fully extended outwardly from the first tubular member and separate, and when the handle is relaxed but still partially squeezed, the active distal ends come together and touch first at their extreme ends and then touch over a broader area in a position to grasp tissue for receiving electrosurgical currents.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Alan G. Ellman