| Applied Medical Resources Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120123202 | INSUFFLATING OPTICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed. The instrument comprises a shaft having an insufflation channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end. A tip is at the distal end and a vent hole is formed in the tip being in connection with the insufflation channel and adapted to expel fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. The tip is formed of a transparent material to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120108906 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR WITH GEL PAD - A surgical access device has a surgical retractor having a noncompliant outer ring with an annular axis, an inner ring, and a sleeve coupling the outer ring to the inner ring. The noncompliant outer ring is adapted to roll over itself around the annular axis to roll the sleeve around the outer ring to retract and seal an opening in a biological body wall. The access device may include a lid adapted for being coupled to the noncompliant outer ring of the surgical retractor. The outer ring of the surgical retractor has a cross-sectional shape that prohibits the lid from being partially or incorrectly coupled to the outer ring of the surgical retractor. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120095297 | NATURAL ORIFICE SURGERY SYSTEM - Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and a funnel segment extending between and coupling the outer ring and the tubular body, wherein the funnel segment provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring and the relatively smaller diameter of the tubular body, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120083814 | LAPAROSCOPIC SCISSORS - A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having apertures. A rivet or pivot pin can couple the scissor blades to the elongate shaft. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism slidable within the elongate shaft can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The elongate shaft can include a longitudinal guide to stabilize the motion of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can have a forked end including projections to flexibly maintain the spacing of the forked end. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082970 | PORTABLE LAPAROSCOPIC TRAINER - A portable surgical training device is provided. The trainer includes a top cover spaced apart from a base to form a simulated body cavity for locating model organs that are substantially obscured from the field of view of the user. The top cover includes a video display, fixed insertion ports and interchangeable inserts containing simulated tissue layers. The training device has open sides for demonstrating and training lateral surgical techniques including a simulated or live tissue colon attached to a support leg for simulating transanal minimally invasive surgery. A training endoscope with an adjustable focal length for use with the trainer and, in particular, with optical trocars is disclosed. The surgical trainer can be angled and is well suited for training laparoscopic surgery techniques and demonstrating surgical instruments. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120059324 | SURGICAL ACCESS PORT AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A surgical access port for insertion into a body cavity can have an elongate tubular body extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the tubular body for penetrating through a body wall and into the body cavity. The distal tip moves from a first, penetrating position to a second, retaining position when the body wall has been traversed. The surgical access port may further comprise a seal housing connected to the proximal end of the tubular body, the seal housing having an access port providing an opening into the tubular body to allow passage of surgical instruments. The distal tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed. The distal tip may also be substantially blunt or have a conical surface. The access port may further comprise a retention member for connecting the tubular body and the distal tip. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120004510 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - An access system comprises an access device. The access device is adapted to be disposed within an opening in a body wall. The access device has an external flange adapted to be disposed external to the body wall and an internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the body wall. Holes extend through the access device between an external surface and an internal surface of the access device. The holes span the thickness of the body wall between a location external to the body wall and a location internal to the body wall. The access device is formed of an elastomeric material adapted to conform to surfaces of instruments inserted through the holes to form instrument seals along at least a portion of a length spanning the thickness of the body wall. The elastomeric material is compressible and adapted to form a seal with the body wall. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110316190 | SURGICAL DEVICE WITH TACK-FREE GEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A process of making a tack-free gel is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a mold defining a mold cavity, the mold cavity comprising a plastic material; pouring or injecting a molten gel having a high molding temperature into the mold cavity; and forming the tack-free gel as a thin layer of plastic of the mold cavity is melted over the gel. The forming step further comprises cooling the gel from the molten state to a solidified state. The melting temperature of the plastic material is lower than the molding temperature of the gel; and the higher the temperature differential, the greater the melting of the plastic material and the thicker the layer of the plastic material on the surface of the gel. The mold may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110282157 | SURGICAL ACCESS SYSTEM - The invention is directed to a surgical access system that provides access to a surgical area while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The access system comprises a sheath retractor adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter and a detachable seal adapted to be removable from the sheath retractor. In another aspect, the detachable seal comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel that extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110266328 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH FIRING LOCK MECHANISM - A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110196307 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A trocar system for providing access across a body wall includes a trocar and an anchor provided in the form of a first helix. The anchor is adapted for placement in an operative position wherein the anchor extends at least partially through the body wall. A second helix formed on the trocar is size and configured to engage the first helix of the anchor so that rotation of the trocar relative to the anchor moves the second helix along the first helix. In this manner, the trocar is drawn into the anchor as it moves into the body wall. A proximal force applied to the anchor resists tenting of the abdominal wall. The anchor also holds the layers of the body wall together thereby resisting peritoneal separation. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110190592 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110172493 | WOUND RETRACTOR WITH GEL CAP - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110166567 | MONOPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL RETURN ELECTRODE - A monopolar electrosurgical return electrode to prevent unwanted thermal effects in monopolar electrosurgery, accomplished in one aspect by volumetric incorporation of temperature-resistive material of positive nature into a flexible and adhesive return electrode pad is provided. The incorporation of positive temperature coefficient resistance with low resistance at room temperature will increase the local electrical resistance of the pad with an increase of the local return electrode temperature corresponding to a switching of the resistance from low to high value which in turn will lead to a reduction of the local current density. The switching temperature of the positive temperature coefficient return electrode is low enough to prevent significant thermal heating of the patient's tissue. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166424 | SPLIT HOOP WOUND RETRACTOR WITH GEL PAD - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop placed therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110144446 | WOUND RETRACTOR - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor ( | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110130633 | CIRCULAR SURGICAL RETRACTOR - A wound retractor for retracting a surgical incision includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a distensible sleeve coupled to the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes at least a pair of circular tubes coupled to each other. At least one of the circular tubes includes a lumen and a split that forms open ends. A noncompliant tubular hoop having a split therein is positioned in the lumen. The tubular hoop is oriented with its open ends positioned away from the split of the circular tubes. A core is positioned in the lumen of the tubular hoop. The core has a first end and a second end and is oriented with the ends positioned away from the split in the tubular hoop. The circular tubes may be parallel or may form a helical pattern similar to a Mobius strip. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110112480 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE WITH FLOATING GEL SEAL - A trocar is provided with a cannula and a housing and valve assembly disposed in the housing which forms a housing seal, and instrument seal, and in some cases a zero seal. A gel material is included in the valve and provides the valve with superior flotation properties for maintaining the instrument seal even when the instrument is moved off-axis. In order to accommodate movement of the gel material, voids can be formed within the valve housing and even within the gel material. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110112374 | HAND ACCESS LAPAROSCOPIC DEVICE - The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110093005 | Single Port Instruments - Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110087235 | SINGLE INCISION LAPAROSCOPIC TISSUE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM - A tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag with an elongate profile. The tissue retrieval bag can have a relatively large volume, but be rollable to a stowed configuration to fit in a relatively small diameter introducer. The tissue retrieval system can include one or more support arms coupled to the tissue retrieval bag, the support arms biased to position the tissue retrieval bag in an access position once deployed from the introducer. A tissue retrieval system can have a hybrid tissue retrieval bag including material properties that vary along the depth of the bag from an open end to a closed end. A tissue retrieval bag can be used in conjunction with an introducer, or as a stand alone tissue retrieval bag. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087167 | TROCAR WITH RETENTION CANNULA - A trocar comprises a retention cannula comprising an inverted or incised retention pattern disposed thereon. Embodiments of the incised cannula exhibit reduced tissue trauma compared with screw-threaded cannula, improved fixation and/or retention compared with an unthreaded cannula, and good sealing between the cannula and the incision. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110071463 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with multiple instruments passing through the surgical access device and through a single incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access pad. The access pad comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer, an oil, and a foaming agent. The access pad is adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access pad has an external flange and an internal flange integrally formed with the access pad. The external flange is adapted to be disposed external to the abdominal wall in an operative position and the internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the abdominal wall in the operative position. The access pad is configured to be maintained in the operative position and adapted to form a seal with the abdominal wall. A plurality of openings are formed through the access pad between an external surface and an internal surface of the access pad. The plurality of openings when operatively disposed are in communication with the incision and form working channels between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The access pad is adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel. At least a portion of the access pad between the external flange and the internal flange and within the incision between an external surface of the abdominal wall and an internal surface of the abdominal wall is adapted to form an instrument seal with the instrument. Locating the access pad within the incision creates a radially compressive force to provide an axial seal between the access pad and the abdominal wall. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071462 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with at least one instrument passing through the surgical access device and through an incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access seal. The access seal comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall in an operative position. The material of the access seal is adapted to form a seal to generally maintain insufflation pressure within the abdominal cavity. At least one opening is formed through the material of the access seal between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal. The at least one opening when operatively disposed is in communication with the incision and forms a working channel between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The material of the access seal is adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110066105 | STEERABLE KINK-RESISTANT SHEATH - A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion; methods for manufacturing the kink resistant device are also provided. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110060193 | SPLIT HOOP WOUND RETRACTOR - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop placed therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110054260 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SURGICAL ACCESS SYSTEM - A surgical access system comprises a wound retractor comprising an outer anchor, an inner anchor, and a flexible, tubular sheath extending therebetween. Embodiments of the outer anchor comprise an outer ring rotatable around an annular axis thereof, thereby rolling the sheath therearound when retracting an incision or opening in a body wall. The sheath comprises a plurality of fibers or strands that improve the abrasion and puncture resistance thereof. Consequently, the surgical access system is useful in procedures in which damage to the sheath is likely, for example, orthopedic hip replacement, and spinal procedures. In some embodiments, the sheath tapers from the outer ring to the inner ring. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110028890 | INSUFFLATION GAS WARMER AND HUMIDIFIER - An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insufflation gas within the passage. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110021879 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE COMPRISING INTERNAL RETRACTOR - Devices, methods, and systems provide a surgical access device comprising an internal retractor device integrated with or coupled to a body wall or wound retractor. The wound retractor retracts an opening in a body wall into a body cavity, while the internal retractor permits a user to control the positions of internal structures within the body cavity, thereby permitting a user to define a surgical field. Embodiments of the internal retractor are adjustable. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110005661 | Medical Tubing Having Variable Characteristics and Method of Making Same - The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may be formed of a thermoplastic or a thermoset material. The ring-shaped elements may include plastic rings, metallic rings, un-reinforced plastic rings and/or metal reinforced plastic rings assembled along the length of the tubular structure to provide variable flexibility and kink-resistance. The tubular structure may have a cross-section of any geometric shape and it may be bent, twisted or curved without kinking. The ring-shaped elements may have different flexural modulus. The ring-shaped elements may include a combination of flexible and rigid ring-shaped elements assembled along different portions or sections of the tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may be metallic and may be bonded with a resilient, flexible elastomeric adhesive, wherein the ring-shaped elements may have different lengths and may be fused closer or further apart to one another depending on the characteristics of a portion or section of the tubing. In another aspect of the invention, the medical tubing may further comprise a secondary lumen and a pull wire to control the tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may be truncated to provide a bending bias. In another aspect of the invention, the ring-shaped elements may vary in diameter and/or composition in different portions or sections of the tubular structure. In yet another aspect of the invention, some of the ring-shaped elements may be radiopaque, or the ring-shaped elements may comprise of different colors to operate as indicators along the tubular structure. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100305408 | WOUND RETRACTOR WITH GEL CAP - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100298776 | BLUNT TIP OBTURATOR - A surgical obturator comprising an elongate shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft having a conical surface forming proximally into an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point and having a pair of side sections. The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. The conical surface facilitates insertion of the obturator with a reduced penetration force and minimizes tenting of the body wall. The conical surface further facilitates separation of different layers of the body wall and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The surgical obturator may be constructed from a disposable or reusable material such as a metal or an autoclavable polymer. While certain embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the following claims. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100274231 | RENAL FLUSHING CATHETER - Devices, methods, and systems provide a catheter-based device comprising an expandable portion that is placed distally of the obstructive or occluding mass, which substantially prevents fragments generated by ablating the occluding mass with a lithotripter, for example, a laser lithotripter, from traveling upstream, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of lithotripsy Some embodiments of the device further comprise a through lumen through which fluid is introduced into a renal collecting system, thereby maintains positive pressure that biases the fragments generated by lithotripsy from entering the collecting system. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100249527 | HAND ACCESS LAPAROSCOPIC DEVICE - The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100243705 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH FIRING LOCK MECHANISM - A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100241082 | ACCESS SEALING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100222801 | Bladeless Obturator - A surgical obturator adapted to penetrate a body wall includes an elongate shaft having an axis which extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A bladeless tip, disposed at the distal end of the shaft has an outer surface which extends to a blunt point The outer surface has a pair of side sections separated by an intermediate section The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. These side sections include a distal portion in proximity to the blunt point, and a proximal portion in proximity to the shaft. The distal portion of the side section is twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side section. The outer surface in radial cross section has the general configuration of a geometric shape which rotates in a first direction about the axis with progressive proximal radial cross sections along the axis | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100210998 | INSUFFLATING OPTICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is formed of a translucent or transparent material such as polycarbonate to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and the abdominal region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel. The tip may be blunt, the shaft and the tip may be integrally formed, and the vent hole may be of any geometric shape including round, oval, square and rectangular. The blunt tip may further comprise a marker to indicate penetration of the abdominal wall. In another aspect, the tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed to facilitate penetration of body tissue. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210914 | CIRCULAR SURGICAL RETRACTOR - A wound retractor for retracting a surgical incision includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a distensible sleeve coupled to the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes at least a pair of circular tubes coupled to each other. At least one of the circular tubes includes a lumen and a split that forms open ends. A noncompliant tubular hoop having a split therein is positioned in the lumen. The tubular hoop is oriented with its open ends positioned away from the split of the circular tubes. A core is positioned in the lumen of the tubular hoop. The core has a first end and a second end and is oriented with the ends positioned away from the split in the tubular hoop. The circular tubes may be parallel or may form a helical pattern similar to a Mobius strip. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100191064 | WOUND RETRACTOR - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100125248 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE WITH FLOATING GEL SEAL - A trocar is provided with a cannula and a housing and valve assembly disposed in the housing which forms a housing seal, and instrument seal, and in some cases a zero seal. A gel material is included in the valve and provides the valve with superior flotation properties for maintaining the instrument seal even when the instrument is moved off-axis In order to accommodate movement of the gel material, voids can be formed within the valve housing and even within the gel material. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100100045 | TROCAR CANNULA WITH ATRAMATIC TIP - A surgical access port is provided with a trocar cannula having a substantially rigid portion and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic distal tip is substantially compliant relative to the rigid portion of the cannula. The trocar cannula provides unobstructed surgical access into a body cavity allowing the insertion and removal of surgical instruments through the trocar cannula and into the body cavity using a minimal sized incision or entryway. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100094227 | SINGLE PORT ACCESS SYSTEM - Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100005929 | MULTIPLE-ANGLE SCISSOR BLADE - The invention is directed to a pair of laparoscopic scissors, comprising a pair of blades connected at a pivot, each of the blades having a length, a tip portion, a body portion, an outer surface, an inner surface and a cutting edge, the cutting edge forming an angle with the outer surface along the length of the blade such that tension during a cutting operation at the tip portion is about the same as tension at the body portion during the cutting operation. The angle formed may be greater at the tip portion which continuously decreases over the length of the blade. The tip portion may have a first body thickness and the body portion may have a second body thickness different from the first body thickness. During the cutting operation, the blades progressively move over each other to provide a point contact along the cutting edges. The blades may be thickened in a number of locations and combinations including: (1) one blade could be thicker than the other to force the opposing blade to flex; (2) both blades could be thicker at the body portions to give more strength when cutting staples; (3) each blade could be thickened on one side or the other to stiffen certain locations; and (4) the tips of each blade could be thicker than the body portions to provide increased tension at the tips. In another aspect of the invention, a process of manufacturing the pair of scissors of the invention is disclosed, comprising the steps of form grinding the blades into a desired shape from a pre-hardened block of material, and sharpening the cutting edges of the blades. The blades may also be formed through other processes including wire EDM, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, machining, cast or metal injection molding, and other independent profile manufacturing processes. The manufacturing process of the invention is beneficial in that each profile can be accurately controlled, and the parts will be exact every time. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090318954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING A LAPAROSCOPIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - The invention is directed to a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. This ensures that nothing catches on the blades or tips during grasper use and the shrink tubing found on the scissors would not be deformed. This can be done because the area for the slots is not needed. Moreover, the usable area for the drive slots on the blade or tip of the actuation rod is maximized to the overall diameter of the outer tube or shaft which provides additional leverage to the blades or tips. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut. More specifically, the surgical instrument of the invention comprises an elongate tube extending along an axis including an actuation rod coaxially slidable within the elongate tube, a first tip including a first pin formed on a proximal end surface of the first tip, and a second tip including a second pin formed on a proximal end surface of the second tip, the second tip pivotally connected to the first tip at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the tips in response to movement of the actuation rod. The actuation rod has a slot to accept the pins of the first and second tips, the slot has camming surfaces for the pins to slide within the slot, and the proximal ends of the tips extend minimally outside the diameter of the elongate tube during actuation of the tips. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090281561 | LAPAROSCOPIC SCISSORS - A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having pivot posts thereon. The pivot posts can engage apertures on the elongate shaft, thus eliminating the need for a through-pinned pivot connection of the scissor blades. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The scissor assemblies described herein can have a relatively low operational height such that they do not extend beyond a diameter of the elongate shaft during opening and closing of the scissor assembly. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090264913 | TAMPONADE TROCAR DEVICE AND METHOD - A tamponade trocar includes an elongate balloon having a closed distal end and is adapted to expand from a small diameter to a large diameter. A cannula is positioned at a proximal portion within the balloon lumen. A rigid stylet is removably positioned within the balloon and cannula lumens. A distal end of the stylet supported balloon is inserted into a perforation in a body wall and advanced into a body cavity while the balloon is unexpanded. The balloon is expanded and the cannula is advanced to a distal portion of the balloon lumen and across the body wall. At this stage, the perforation is dilated and in compressive tamponade. The proximal portion of the balloon may be removed and a seal housing may be coupled to the proximal end of the cannula. The distal end of the balloon may be punctured and opened, making the trocar ready for use. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090261143 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH FIRING LOCK MECHANISM - A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090248022 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM - Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248020 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM - An electrosurgical tool can be used to fuse tissue. The electrosurgical tool can include a jaw assembly, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. Actuation of the handle assembly can actuate the jaw assembly. The elongate shaft can be rotatable without disrupting electrical connection to the jaw assembly. The electrosurgical tool can include a cutting blade to separate fused tissue. The electrosurgical tool can also include a jaw assembly configuration or an exterior cutting electrode to improve surgical access with the tool. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248019 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM - An electrosurgical tool can be used for tissue dissection. The tool can include several electrodes positioned on a jaw assembly. The electrodes can be selectively connected to a power source in a cutting arrangement or a coagulation arrangement. Switching from the cutting arrangement to the coagulation arrangement can be provided by opening and closing a handle to actuate the jaw assembly. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248013 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM - Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248007 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM - An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090240204 | INSTRUMENT SEAL WITH INVERTING SHROUD - A surgical access device comprising an instrument access channel extending through an instrument seal and a shroud comprising an inverting region disposed distally of the instrument seal exhibits improved tear-resistance of the instrument seal from instrument manipulation, for example, instrument withdrawals. Some embodiments of the inverting region invert through the instrument seal on instrument withdrawal. Some embodiments of the inverting region induce at least a portion of the instrument seal itself to invert on instrument withdrawal. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090234293 | INSTRUMENT SEAL - A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder. Some embodiments of the instrument contact element have an hourglass configuration with a first end proximal of the opening of the compression element and a second end distal of the opening of the compression element. Other embodiments of the instrument contact element “wrap around” the opening in the compression element, with the first end and the second end secured to the same side of the opening, for example, proximal of the opening. Embodiments of the compression element comprise an elastomeric seal, for example, a septum seal and/or a gel seal. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090221960 | BALLOON TROCAR ADVANCED FIXATION - A trocar cannula assembly can have a retention mechanism for advanced fixation. The retention mechanism can include a first, or distal balloon, and a second or proximal balloon to retain the position of the trocar cannula assembly with respect to a body wall of a patient. An inlet can be fluidly coupled to the retention mechanism via a fluid conduit so that the balloons can be selectively inflated and deflated. The retention mechanism can be coupled to the cannula, forming an integrated cannula assembly, or the retention mechanism can be removably attached to the cannula. Where the retention mechanism is removably attached to the cannula, it can include a double layer inflatable member with an outer layer including the first and second balloons, and an inner layer for retaining the cannula. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090187079 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ACCESS DEVICE - Embodiments of an access device system useful for single or limited port procedures comprises a retractor and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090182282 | TROCAR STABILITY ASSEMBLY - A stability assembly for a trocar cannula includes a conical stability member, a base, and a cannula retention member. The base has a passage defining an inner surface, and a constriction in the passage. The cannula retention member is rotatable within the passage, and advancement of the cannula retention member over the constriction reduces the inner diameter of the passage to restrain a cannula in the passage. Various latch mechanisms including interface surfaces on the base and the cannula retention member can be used in the stability assembly to secure the stability assembly around a cannula. Various conical stability members can be used in the stability assembly. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090137879 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090131975 | OVERMOLDED GRASPER JAW - The invention is directed to a surgical instrument comprising an elongate tube extending along an axis including a camming rod and an actuation mechanism operably connected to the camming rod, the camming rod having a camming pin and a camming projection; a first jaw spine having a first cam slot, a first interior camming surface, and a first exterior camming surface; and a second jaw spine having a second cam slot, a second interior camming surface, and a second exterior camming surface, the second jaw spine pivotally connected to the first jaw spine at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the jaw spines in response to movement of the actuation mechanism. The camming pin rides along the first and second interior camming surfaces and operates to close the jaw spines when the camming rod is moved proximally. When the camming rod moves distally, the camming projection rides on the first and second exterior camming surfaces formed on the proximal sides of the respective first and second jaw spines and operates to open the jaw spines. A feature of the invention is one camming surface on each jaw spine can facilitate closing the jaw spines while the other camming surface on each jaw spine can facilitate opening the jaw spines. These two camming surfaces on each jaw spine can be widely separated. The jaw spines can be formed of a metallic material and are overmolded with an atraumatic plastic material. By overmolding the plastic onto the metal spine, an atraumatic outer surface can be formed of the plastic material along with a high degree of detail. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131754 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090005779 | BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL SCISSORS - Bipolar electrosurgical scissors for treating biological tissue include first and second scissor blades. A shearing surface and cutting edge of each blade is electrically neutral. The scissors include a pair of electrical connections for receiving electrical currents of opposing polarities. Each blade includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode positioned on a surface opposite the shearing surface. The at least one first electrode on the first blade and the at least one second electrode on the second blade are coupled to the first electrical connection. The at least one second electrode on the first blade and the at least one first electrode on the second blade are coupled to the second electrical connection. In a first energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current only to the first electrodes. In a second energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current to all of the electrodes. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005739 | MULTI-SEAL TROCAR SYSTEM - A multi-seal trocar system includes a plurality of co-axial sealing elements adapted for forming a seal with either a large or small instrument. Small and large sealing elements are disposed in an in-line arrangement such that a-single port is provided for instrument insertion. A zero seal is disposed distally of the sealing elements to seal a working channel of the system and to prevent backflow when no instruments are inserted. The small sealing element is configured such that insertion of a large instrument automatically moves the small sealing element out of its path, thereby avoiding contact with the large instrument. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080319456 | SURGICAL STAPLE-CLIP AND APPLIER - A surgical staple-clip including a clip component and a securing member is used in a wide range of surgical procedures. The staple-clip may be introduced to a surgical site in an un-assembled condition through a small port or trocar. An applier for the staple-clip comprising a pair of opposed jaw-like channels is provided to position and apply the clip component and the securing member. The clip component is positioned around a target tissue and is compressed or clamped upon the tissue using only the force required for a specific surgical procedure such as occlusion, ligation or fixation. When the clip component is properly applied, the securing member is urged forward and over the clip component to secure the staple-clip. The clip component may include traction enhancement features such as surface interruptions, bumps, valleys and ridges. With the staple-clip of the invention, the force required to constrict or occlude the tissue is separate from the force required to secure and maintain the staple-clip in position and, as a result, the body tissue is not over-compressed and nourishment to the body tissue is maintained. Other aspects of the invention include thumb actuated clip appliers for use in hand assisted laparoscopy (HAL) In one embodiment, a clip applier includes a handle and a thumb actuated mechanism that is used to slidably release clips onto a body tissue or vessel by sliding the thumb actuated mechanism forward and backward using only one hand. In another aspect of the invention, a two-stage clip is disclosed having a clip component and a staple component for securing the clip after it has been properly positioned. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080300554 | LUBRICANT FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - A formulation and method for providing medical devices with a lubricious and non-toxic coating Medical devices having a lubricious, non-toxic coating. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080281162 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR - A surgical access device has a surgical retractor having a noncompliant outer ring with an annular axis, an inner ring, and a sleeve coupling the outer ring to the inner ring. The noncompliant outer ring is adapted to roll over itself around the annular axis to roll the sleeve around the outer ring to retract and seal an opening in a biological body wall. The access device may include a lid adapted for being coupled to the noncompliant outer ring of the surgical retractor. The outer ring of the surgical retractor has a cross-sectional shape that prohibits the lid from being partially or incorrectly coupled to the outer ring of the surgical retractor. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281161 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR WITH GEL PAD - A surgical access device has a surgical retractor having a noncompliant outer ring with an annular axis, an inner ring, and a sleeve coupling the outer ring to the inner ring. The noncompliant outer ring is adapted to roll over itself around the annular axis to roll the sleeve around the outer ring to retract and seal an opening in a biological body wall. The access device may include a lid adapted for being coupled to the noncompliant outer ring of the surgical retractor. The outer ring of the surgical retractor has a cross-sectional shape that prohibits the lid from being partially or incorrectly coupled to the outer ring of the surgical retractor. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080255597 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TISSUE MORCELLATION - The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080249475 | TROCAR SEAL - A trocar seal removably connected to a trocar cannula is provided that comprises an instrument seal and a zero seal with the zero seal connected to the instrument seal. A cover is connected to the instrument seal and a sleeve extends from the cover distally towards the end of the instrument seal. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080228214 | SHIELD LOCKOUT FOR BLADED OBTURATOR AND TROCARS - A shielded bladed obturator is provided with a shield lockout that prevents retraction of a shield to expose a blade for cutting. The shield lockout in one aspect has a rotational switch interacting with a longitudinal extending shield to lock and unlock the shield. A blade exposure and coverage system is also provided. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080200767 | WOUND RETRACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force. An associated method includes the step of rolling the second ring circumferentially of the third ring to form the circumferential retainer. | 08-21-2008 |
