Bipolar Electrodes Patents (Class 606/50)
  • Patent number: 10993733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jason G. Weihe
  • Patent number: 10987123
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10881450
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno Nagtegaal
  • Patent number: 10881446
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 10722232
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, James R. Giordano
  • Patent number: 10617462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Takei, Tomoyuki Takashino, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10603044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joshua Benjamin Stopek
  • Patent number: 10537383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno Nagtegaal
  • Patent number: 10537384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Jeff Unger, Robert Sharp
  • Patent number: 10448990
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC HOLDING COMPANY SÀRL
    Inventors: Neil Godara, Jason Woo, Emily Won
  • Patent number: 10368898
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Brown, Jason L. Craig
  • Patent number: 10321952
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. Devries, Peter L. Dayton, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 10154786
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Alexander Neugebauer, Dominik Spether, Markus Enderle
  • Patent number: 10130417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimbolt Young, Rollie E. McCallister
  • Patent number: 10034703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Yusuke Takei, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9999544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: George Baerveldt, Roy Chuck
  • Patent number: 9993278
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Paul DiCarlo, Steve Anderson
  • Patent number: 9993284
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 9931157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey S. Strobl, Alex Kiturkes, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 9848937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 9820806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Weng-Kai K. Lee, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Scott N. LaCosta, Jason T. Sanders, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 9737648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9724014
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Hill, D. Curtis Deno, Ram Balachandran, Braden Eliason
  • Patent number: 9706999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke Motai
  • Patent number: 9675402
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 9579143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Ullrich, Pedro Gregorio
  • Patent number: 9545253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
  • Patent number: 9474562
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, David Trottingwolf Aldridge, David K. Wrolstad, Mark A. Ritchart, Jeffrey E. Hull, Gene Reu
  • Patent number: 9474893
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: EUNSUNG GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ki Se Lee
  • Patent number: 9474570
    Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
  • Patent number: 9427278
    Abstract: An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Swanson
  • Patent number: 9421063
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Scopton, John A. Griego, Stephen J. Perry, William J. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9402680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASULAR, LLC
    Inventors: Fred Ginnebaugh, Joseph N. Lamberti, Rohit Girotra
  • Patent number: 9375232
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: John V. Hunt, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard W. Timm, Gavin M. Monson, Suzanne E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9370397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: 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: 9333002
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David M. Garrison
  • Patent number: 9241728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: 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: 9198683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignees: AEGIS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS, INC., MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Paul A. Friedman, Charles J. Bruce, Samuel J. Asirvatham, Trevor A. McCaw, Elliot Y. K. Hong
  • Patent number: 9192427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture
  • Patent number: 9113944
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 9101386
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wallace, Robert Garabedian, Gregory B. Arcenio, Jeffery L. Bleich, Vahid Saadat, Winnie Chung
  • Patent number: 9089339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Benjamin David McDaniel
  • Patent number: 9078662
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Peter K. Shires, Gary L. Long
  • Publication number: 20150141991
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Uwe Bacher, Rainer Hermle, Andreas Efinger, Hans-Peter Eisele
  • Patent number: 9033974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Gabriel Zada
  • Patent number: 9033981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jessica E. Olson, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 9033980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Massimo Grimaldi
  • Publication number: 20150133927
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Taewoong Medical Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Kyung Min Shin, Kyung Hoon Shin, Dong Un Kim
  • Patent number: 9031667
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: InterventionTechnology Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Donald V. Williams
  • Patent number: 9028491
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Alan G. Ellman