With Forceps Or Tweezers Patents (Class 606/51)
  • Patent number: 11642163
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include at least one sensor and a motor, and an output of the motor can be configured to be adjusted based at least in part on an output from the at least one sensor. The output of the motor can be configured to provide power for translation of a cutting element along an end effector of the device. Adjusting the motor's output can cause the cutting element to translate through the end effector at different speeds, thereby allowing the cutting element to cut through tissue being grasped by the end effector at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Chad P. Boudreaux, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Davison, David C. Yates, John A. Hibner, Jill A. Inkrott-Smith
  • Patent number: 11638605
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes first and second sections defining a passage therebetween. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the passage to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members between the open and closed positions for grasping tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Peter M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 11633239
    Abstract: A medical device drive system may include a locking structure, a locking device sized and shaped to engage with the locking structure, the locking device coupled to a drive system component, and a lifter configured to actuate the locking device into and out of engagement with the locking structure, wherein the drive system component is selectively lockable by movement of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 11633203
    Abstract: A manipulator adapted to grasp and draw tissue comprises first and second arms having proximal ends and distal ends separated by a distance. First and second grasping surfaces each connected to and extending from respective distal ends of the first and second arms are biased toward each other by a respective spring force. When the first and second arms are actuated to reduce the distance, the manipulator is configured such that tissue arranged between the first and second grasping surfaces resist actuation of the first and second arms. The first and second arms are further actuatable to overcome the spring force of the first and second grasping surfaces so that the first and second grasping surfaces pivot at respective pivot points such that the distance between the distal ends of the first and second arms is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: A-BASE KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG
    Inventor: Peter Ferenc Banfalvi
  • Patent number: 11627976
    Abstract: A force transmission mechanism includes a force adjuster that receives a driving force and that is configured to change a force transmission efficiency, and also includes a driving member that is configured to connect an end effector and the force adjuster via a joint section and transmit the driving force. The force adjuster converts the driving force into a linear force via a rotational force, and increases the conversion efficiency from the driving force to the linear force such that an amount of increase in the force transmission efficiency increases with increasing displacement amount of the driving member when the driving member is displaced in accordance with flexing or curving of the joint section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Kobayashi, Noriaki Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 11612428
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable is housing is configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupled to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A tissue stop has a knife slot that aligns with the knife channel to receive the knife blade. An actuation mechanism advances the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Weijiang Ding
  • Patent number: 11583333
    Abstract: A forceps includes a handle, a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle, and an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the first and second jaw members may include one or more needles extending therefrom. The one or more needles are in fluid communication with a fluid conduit extending along one or both of the first and second jaw members. The fluid conduit couples to a source of contrast agent to enable selective delivery of the contrast agent through the one or more needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Anthony B. Ross
  • Patent number: 11547467
    Abstract: A medical device is disclosed. The medical device comprises a bipolar forceps including a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw body; a second jaw body; and a sealing plate. A therapy current can be passed between the sealing plate and the first jaw body. The therapy current can be restricted from passing between the first jaw body and the second jaw body. The therapy current can be restricted from passing between the sealing plate and the second jaw body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Huisun Wang, Riyad Moe
  • Patent number: 11534232
    Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for a surgical tool to perform teleoperated surgical operations. The electrosurgical end effector comprises a first end effector jaw; a second end effector jaw coupled to the first end effector jaw; and a coupling pin configured to rotatingly couple the first end effector jaw to the second end effector jaw so as to cooperatively rotate open and close about an axis of rotation. The electrosurgical end effector further comprises an actuation mechanism coupled to an end of the first end effector jaw to rotate the first end effector jaw about the coupling pin; an otomy feature coupled to the second end effector jaw; and a first electrical conductor to electrically couple the otomy feature to a generator. In one embodiment, the otomy feature is electrically activated by contact with a cam portion of the first end effector jaw, when opened beyond a predetermined jaw angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Reid, Adam Ross, Michael Orton, Scott E. Manzo, Benjamin J. Schoettgen
  • Patent number: 11523861
    Abstract: A method of assembling a jaw member of an electrosurgical forceps includes aligning in vertical registration an electrically conductive seal plate, an insulative spacer and a jaw support. The method further includes stacking the seal plate atop the insulative spacer and the jaw support such that a flange depending from the seal plate seats within a corresponding cavity defined within a flange depending from the insulative spacer which, in turn, seats within a cavity defined within the jaw support. The method further includes mechanically securing the seal plate, insulative spacer and jaw support to one another and securing a jaw housing to surround the jaw support, the insulative spacer and the seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Patent number: 11510725
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife, and a knife deployment mechanism. The knife deployment mechanism has one or more safety features that resist an inadvertent deployment of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Jennifer L. Rich, Daniel W. Mercier
  • Patent number: 11497546
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an RF current generator, a handle body, and an end effector. The end effector may include a first and a second energy delivery surface. At least a portion of either first or second energy delivery surfaces, or both, may include one or more patterned coatings of an electrically non-conducting non-stick material. The material may be deposited on a surface of, within a depression in, or on features extending from the energy surfaces, or through an overmolding process. The patterned coating may be formed from a coating of the material from which portions have been removed. An energy delivery surface has a first area, and the patterned coating has a second area. A ratio of the second area to the first area may be less than or equal to about 0.9, less than or equal to about 0.7, or less than or equal to about 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Cameron R. Nott, Gregory A. Trees
  • Patent number: 11490953
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated first shaft fabricated from thermally-conductive plastic material, an elongated second shaft, and opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end portion coupled to a distal end portion of the respective first and second shafts. One or both of the jaw members has a jaw frame and an electrically-conductive tissue sealing structure disposed over the jaw frame. The first shaft has a heat sink disposed therein configured to dissipate heat from the tissue sealing structure toward the thermally-conductive plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11478267
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces, and a second jaw member positioned including an ultrasonic blade body and defining at least one electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. The second jaw member is movable relative to the first jaw member between a first configuration, to facilitate transmission of ultrasonic energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members, and a second configuration, to facilitate conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas W. Meiser, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert M. Sharp, James E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11464550
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for treatment of spinal deformity, and in particular to the utilization of at least one implant to either maintain the position of at least one vertebra of a patient to prevent increase in abnormal spinal curvature, to slow progression of abnormal curvature, or to impose at least one corrective displacement and/or rotation on at least one vertebra of a patient so as to incrementally correct abnormal spinal curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Gordon
  • Patent number: 11457939
    Abstract: A surgical tool can include a shaft, a pin, an end effector, and a translating member. The shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The pin can be located at a distal portion of the shaft. The end effector can be connected to the shaft. The translating member can be positioned laterally inward of the shaft. The translating member can include a track and the pin can extend into the track to limit translation of the translating member along the longitudinal axis with respect to the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventor: Zane R. Ward
  • Patent number: 11419665
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife selectively translatable through the first shaft member and the end effector assembly, and a knife deployment mechanism. The second shaft member has a flange extending therefrom toward the first shaft member. The knife deployment mechanism includes a distal extension movably coupled to the first shaft member and configured to engage the flange of the second shaft member when the knife is an extended position and the end effector assembly is in a closed configuration. The engagement between the distal extension and the flange resists movement of the end effector assembly from the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Jennifer L. Rich, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11419666
    Abstract: An instrument including a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first jaw including a first distal end. The second arm includes a second jaw including a second distal end. One of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a first protrusion. When the instrument is moved into a closed configuration, the first distal end and the second distal end make contact, which occurs after the first protrusion and the opposing jaw make contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Theodore C. Blus, Tailin Fan, Riyad Moe
  • Patent number: 11389229
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 11389164
    Abstract: A method implemented by a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes first and second jaws and a flexible circuit including multiple sensors to optimize performance of a radio frequency (RF) device. The flexible circuit includes at least one therapeutic electrode couplable to a source of RF energy, at least two sensing electrodes, and at least one insulative layer. The insulative layer is positioned between the at least one therapeutic electrode and the at least two sensing electrodes. The method includes contacting tissue positioned between the first and second jaws of the surgical instrument with the at least one therapeutic electrode and at the least two sensing electrodes; sensing signals from the at least two sensing electrodes; and controlling RF energy delivered to the at least one therapeutic electrode based on the sensed signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11376063
    Abstract: Surgical devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying monopolar energy and bipolar energy to tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided with an end effector that has first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, and a conductive member that extends through the end effector. The conductive member has a retracted position in which the conductive member is substantially disposed within the end effector and an extended position in which the conductive member extends at least partially distally beyond the end effector. The conductive member is configured to conduct energy through tissue adjacent thereto at least when the conductive member is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Darcy Greep, Ion Nicolaescu, John Brady, Chad Frampton, Matthew Schneider, Richard W. Timm, Mark Glassett
  • Patent number: 11376031
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Lumendi Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan O'Keefe, Jeffrey Cerier, Amos Cruz, David Rezac
  • Patent number: 11364066
    Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Brett D Smith
  • Patent number: 11357978
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy that may be coupled to an ablation device including at least one electrode for ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may generate and deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform in a predetermined sequence where the signal generator may independently configure a set of electrodes of an ablation device. The signal generator may further perform active monitoring of a set of electrode channels and discharge excess energy using the set of electrode channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Bowers, Raju Viswanathan, Gary Long
  • Patent number: 11311326
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is disclosed including an end effector, a shaft assembly, and a link. The end effector includes a first jaw rotatable relative to a second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube, a jaw tube disposed within the outer tube, an actuation band operably coupled to the jaw tube. The jaw tube is configured to move within the outer tube between a proximal end and a distal end. The link includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the link is pivotably coupled to the actuation band. The second end of the link is pivotably coupled to the first jaw. The jaw tube is configured to rotate the first jaw towards the closed position based on movement of the jaw tube towards the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11304720
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling the activation of energy surgical instruments are disclosed. An advance energy surgical instrument, such an electrosurgical instrument or an ultrasonic surgical instrument, can include one or more sensor assemblies for detecting the state or position of the end effector, arm, or other components of the surgical instrument. A control circuit can be configured to control the activation of the surgical instrument according to the state or position of the components of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Cory G. Kimball, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Andrew W. Carroll, David C. Yates, Daniel W. Price, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Monica Louise Zeckel Rivard, Heather N. Doak, Mary E. Mootoo, Eric M. Roberson
  • Patent number: 11298177
    Abstract: A treatment system includes a treatment tool and an energy source apparatus. The treatment tool includes a heater and bipolar electrodes to grip a treatment target. The energy source apparatus supplies electrical energy to the treatment tool. A processor controls the output to the bipolar electrodes and the heater. The processor causes a high-frequency electric power to be output to the bipolar electrodes and detects a parameter that varies depending on tissue volume of the treatment target. The processor sets a target value related to an output control process for controlling the output to the heater. The processor controls the output to the heater so as to modify the treatment target with the heat of the heater. The processor increases the output and temperature to the heater until at least a predetermined point of time after starting the output control process for controlling the output to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Sadayoshi Takami, Toshifumi Katsuragi, Yoshitaka Honda
  • Patent number: 11272977
    Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Manzo, William A. Burbank, Richard D. Gresham
  • Patent number: 11253313
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps instrument in which an energy conveying structure for efficiently transferring electromagnetic energy (e.g. microwave energy and/or radiofrequency energy) from a coaxial cable to electrodes on the forceps jaws is incorporated into a compact jaw opening structure. The jaw opening structure may be dimensioned to be suitable for insertion down the instrument channel of a endoscope or other scoping device. Alternatively, the device may be configured as a laparoscopic device or be used in open procedures. The instrument may be used as a tool to perform new minimally invasive surgical techniques such as Natural Orifice Transluminal Endosurgery (NOTES) or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CREO MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Hancock, George Ullrich, David Webb, Steven Morris, Patrick Burn, Malcolm White, Thomas Craven
  • Patent number: 11246601
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier and an elongated assembly thereof. The elongated assembly includes an outer shaft, an end effector assembly extending distally from the outer shaft and including first and second spaced-apart arms having first and second jaws disposed at respective free ends thereof, and an inner drive sleeve including a bearing assembly slidably disposed about the end effector assembly. The bearing assembly includes first and second bearing rollers positioned adjacent the first and second spaced-apart arms. Sliding of the bearing assembly from a proximal position to a distal position rolls the bearing rollers along the spaced-apart arms to urge the first and second spaced-apart arms towards one another, thereby moving the first and second jaws from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to apply a surgical clip about tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Roy J. Pilletere, Justin Thomas, Matthew A. Dinino
  • Patent number: 11241275
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and an actuator coupled to the end effector such that actuation of the actuator along a portion of an actuation path manipulates the end effector. A first activation button is electrically coupled to the end effector and is in-line with the actuation path. A first latch component is in-line with the actuation path; a selector is operably coupled to the actuator and movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the selector is positioned to activate the first activation button upon movement of the actuator along a portion of the actuation path to thereby supply energy to the end effector. In the second position, a second latch component of the selector is positioned to engage the first latch component to latch the actuator upon movement of the actuator along a portion of the actuation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Daniel A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11241274
    Abstract: An electrode assembly comprises an electrode support, an electrode on the electrode support, the electrode having a working surface extending generally transverse to a thickness of the electrode, and a filament of electrically insulative material overlying a portion of the working surface of the electrode and at least partially extending through the thickness of the electrode. An electrosurgical may include an end effector having a jaw member comprising such an electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Vaders, Stuart Taylor
  • Patent number: 11219482
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
  • Patent number: 11197711
    Abstract: A tissue fusion instrument having electrodes that are only connected in a punctiform manner to their electrode carrier such that they are electrically conducting and thus, heat-conducting. As a result, heat transfer from the electrode to the respective electrode carrier is restricted. This, on one hand, benefits the desired surgical outcome and, on the other hand, prevents parasitic heating of the surgical instrument and concomitant damage to surrounding tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Achim Brodbeck, Daniel Schaeller
  • Patent number: 11191587
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector assembly includes forming an insulative spacer of a non-conductive material, creating a rib on a surface of the insulative spacer, and metalizing the rib with a conductive material to integrally form a conductive strip on a surface of the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Purvish Soni
  • Patent number: 11179174
    Abstract: In an end effector of a high-frequency treatment instrument, a coating covers an outer surface of an electrode, and formed from a conductive mixture obtained by mixing a non-conductive material and a conductive material. The conductive material contained in the mixture includes first elements and second elements, and each of the first elements has a shape with a higher flatness quotient than each of the second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsunetaka Akagane
  • Patent number: 11166759
    Abstract: A surgical forceps including an end effector assembly has first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members has a jaw frame defining a channel therein, an insulative member disposed within the channel of the jaw frame, and an electrically-conductive plate having a tissue contacting surface and at least one folded side portion. The insulative member includes a top portion having a tissue facing surface. The tissue contacting surface of the electrically-conductive plate is disposed on the tissue facing surface of the insulative member. The at least one folded side portion of the electrically-conductive plate is folded over the top portion of the insulative member such that the electrically-conductive plate conforms to a shape of the top portion of the insulative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, David N. Heard, Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 11160604
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device is disclosed. The electrosurgical device includes a cartridge configured to be disposed within an elongate channel of an end effector. The cartridge includes an electrode having a plurality of electrode portions disposed along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The electrode is configured to electrically couple to a generator. Each electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions is configured to deliver an amount of energy to a tissue placed proximate thereto. An amount of energy delivered by a first electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions differs from an amount of energy delivered by a second electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Mark A. Davison, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11154346
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and a knife drive assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, and an arm. The arm may pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The knife drive assembly includes an input assembly, and output assembly coupled with the knife, and a compound pulley assembly. The compound pulley assembly includes a pair of pulley wheels each having an input track, an output track, an input cable, and an output cable. The input assembly can drive the input cable a first proximal distance in order to rotate the pair of pulley wheels in a first angular direction, thereby driving the output cable a first distal direction to actuate the knife from the pre-fired position toward the fired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11147607
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, system and method for adjusting a compression force applied by a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method includes determining tissue impedance of tissue in contact with an end effector of the surgical instrument, determining a tissue type based on the tissue impedance, selecting a first energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a first signal waveform based on the first energy modality, selecting a second energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a second signal waveform based on the second energy modality, outputting the first and second signal waveform to deliver energy to the end effector, and adjusting a compression force applied by the end effector by changing a size of a gap between the tissue and the clamp arm based on a proportion of the first signal waveform to the second signal waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11135007
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes a handle having a shaft that extends therefrom, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft, at least one electrode operably coupled to the end effector and adapted to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy, a chromium nitride coating covering at least a portion of the electrode, and a hexamethyldisiloxane plasma coating covering at least a portion of the chromium nitride coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, William E. Robinson, Todd W. Boucher
  • Patent number: 11129671
    Abstract: A controller carries out a single outputting phase in which only first electric energy is supplied to an electrode, and transitions the single outputting phase to a simultaneous outputting phase in which the first electric energy and second electric energy are simultaneously output and treated target is denatured due to both of a high-frequency current and treatment energy generated in a functioning element. The controller sets a control pattern relating to the treatment energy in the simultaneous outputting phase, based on an impedance at a certain time point in the single outputting phase and/or a variation with time of the impedance in the single outputting phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Honda, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Danilo Jr. Baring Legaspi
  • Patent number: 11123129
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and an electrode activation assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, and an arm. The arm can pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The arm can pivot relative to the housing between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The electrode activation assembly includes an activation button associated with the handle assembly, a resilient body, and a detent associated with either the housing or the arm. The activation button can activate the electrode assembly in response to the arm pivoting to the third position. The resilient body includes a first cam feature. The detent can engage the first cam feature as the arm pivots between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11116565
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Glenn A. Horner
  • Patent number: 11109928
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to medical instruments including wrists with hybrid redirect surfaces. Such medical instruments can include, for example, a shaft with a wrist positioned at a distal end. The wrist can include a proximal clevis connected to the shaft and a distal clevis pivotally connected to the proximal clevis. The wrist can also include a static redirect surface, such as a face of a clevis, and a dynamic redirect surface, such as a pulley. The instrument can include an end effector connected to the distal clevis. A plurality of pull wires can extend through the shaft and the wrist and engage with and actuate the wrist and the end effector. A first pull wire segment of the plurality of pull wires can engage the static redirect surface, and a second pull wire segment of the plurality of pull wires can engage the dynamic redirect surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis Michael Schuh
  • Patent number: 11103297
    Abstract: A medical device includes: a housing; a switch provided on the housing; and a converter provided in the housing. The switch is configured to allow switching between a plurality of states and is configured to output a first signal in response to one of the states to which the switching is performed. The converter is configured to convert the first signal into a second signal of a different system when the converter receives the output of the first signal, and is configured to output the second signal to an outside configured to detect the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Ko Kawashima, Yuichi Shintomi
  • Patent number: 11090050
    Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: John A. Hammerland, III
  • Patent number: 11090111
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is moveable between an activated position to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector and a deactivated position to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector. A switch activation member is configured to move the switch between an activated position and a deactivated position. A switch control member is configured to maintain the switch in the activated position during at least partial movement of the actuating mechanism from the actuated position to the unactuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Tony Moua
  • Patent number: 11076908
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly with a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface. The first jaw and the second jaw move between an open position and a closed position. The sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a flexible medial section and rigid lateral sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Kester J. Batchelor, Zane Ward
  • Patent number: 11071553
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier (10) includes a handle assembly (100) configured to releasably engage at least two in different endoscopic assemblies (200, 300). The handle assembly (100) is configured to transition from a non-ratcheting use condition to a ratcheting use condition when an endoscopic assembly (200) configured for ratcheting use is engaged with the handle assembly (100). The handle assembly (100) is maintained in the non-ratcheting use condition when an endoscopic assembly (300) configured for non-ratcheting use is engaged with the handle assembly (100). Endoscopic assemblies (200, 300) for use with the handle assembly (100) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Anirudh Raikar, Longsheng Cai, Kun Zhao, Yuandong Tan