Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130245659 | ROTATABLE CUTTING IMPLEMENTS WITH FRICTION REDUCING MATERIAL FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer assembly rotatably supported within said housing and communicating with a source of ultrasonic electrical signals, a motor within said housing and communicating with a source of motor drive signals, said motor coupled to said ultrasonic transducer assembly for applying rotational motion thereto, a horn coupled to said ultrasonic transducer assembly, an outer sheath coupled to said housing, said outer sheath including a distal portion, and a blade operably coupled to said horn, said blade rotatably supported relative to said outer sheath, wherein said blade includes an outer sheath contacting surface, wherein said distal portion of said outer sheath includes a blade contacting surface, and wherein at least one of said outer sheath contacting surface and said blade contacting surface includes a friction reducing material. | 09-19-2013 |
20130345733 | DUAL PURPOSE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that has an ultrasonic blade that protrudes from an ultrasonic transducer assembly. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic blade coaxially extends through a rotatable tissue cutting blade that is rotatably supported by a housing that supports the ultrasonic transducer assembly. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic blade and the tissue cutting blade are both selectively rotatable relative to the housing. In yet other embodiments, the tissue cutting blade and the ultrasonic blade are supported relative to each other in separate sheaths attached to the housing. | 12-26-2013 |
20140058427 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT BLADES - An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonically actuated blade or end effector having a treatment portion. The blade can define a central axis and at least one axis which is transverse to the central axis, wherein the transverse axis can lie within a plane which is perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal axis and can define a cross-section of the treatment portion. Such a cross-section can include a central portion and a step extending from the central portion, wherein the central portion can comprise a width, and wherein the step can comprise a cutting edge. In at least one embodiment, the cutting edge can be defined by first and second surfaces which define an angle therebetween. In various embodiments, the position of the cutting edge and/or the angle between the cutting edge surfaces can be selected in order to balance the blade with respect to the transverse axis. | 02-27-2014 |
20140066962 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath, a blade disposed at least partially within the hollow sheath and extending through an opening in the sheath, and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the tip may project away from the sheath's longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a blade with suction disposed therethrough and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a cutting edge that is positioned over a blade opening. Also, the cutting edge may project away from the blade's longitudinal axis. | 03-06-2014 |
20140155921 | ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may comprise a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion. | 06-05-2014 |
20140305986 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 10-16-2014 |
20140336686 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector. | 11-13-2014 |
20140353359 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH INTERLOCKABLE FIRING SYSTEM - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. | 12-04-2014 |
20150060521 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066050 | INSTRUMENTS FOR MECHANIZED SURGICAL SYSTEM - A surgical instrument for use with a mechanized surgical system that includes a roll drive unit operable by a motor. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, and an end effector and handle on the shaft. The handle includes an actuator manually operable by a user to mechanically actuate the end effector. The shaft includes a roll joint positioned between proximal and distal shaft portions, such that the distal shaft portion is longitudinally rotatable relative to the proximal shaft portion at the roll joint. The instrument further includes a drive segment on the distal shaft portion, the drive segment including first features rotationally engageable with second features of the roll drive unit such that operation of the motor causes the distal shaft portion to axially roll relative to the proximal shaft portion. | 03-05-2015 |
20150119914 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further comprises an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic blade is coupled to the transducer and comprises a body and a treatment region. The body comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface. The distal end of the body is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The treatment region extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises a protective sheath disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the ultrasonic blade. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119915 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument configured to be coupled to a transducer configured to produce vibrations. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade, a protective sheath, and outer tube and an aperture. The ultrasonic blade extends along a longitudinal axis of the end effector and is configured to be coupled to a transducer. The protective sheath extends at least partially around the ultrasonic blade. The outer tube extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. The aperture defines a channel extending at least partially through the end effector along the longitudinal axis. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119916 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MOVING CUTTING IMPLEMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath. | 04-30-2015 |
20150123348 | SEAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ULTRASONICALLY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to ultrasonic surgical instruments that may be used in aqueous environments. The instruments may include cutting a member that is supported within a hollow sheath. Various seal arrangements are disclosed for establishing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the cutting member and the sheath. | 05-07-2015 |
20150144678 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 05-28-2015 |
20150201935 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 07-23-2015 |
20150250495 | CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ULTRASONICALLY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for controlling a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an ultrasonic transducer, a blade extending distally from the ultrasonic transducer along a longitudinal axis, and a motor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The motor, when activated, may rotate the ultrasonic transducer and the blade about the longitudinal axis. A control system may receive an indication to operate the surgical instrument according to an ultrasonic-only mode. The control system may instruct the motor to rotate the blade to a park position, and activate the ultrasonic transducer to longitudinally vibrate the blade. | 09-10-2015 |
20150257781 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector. | 09-17-2015 |
20150265308 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector. | 09-24-2015 |
20150282834 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT BLADES - An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonically actuated blade or end effector having a treatment portion. The blade can define a central axis and at least one axis which is transverse to the central axis, wherein the transverse axis can lie within a plane which is perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal axis and can define a cross-section of the treatment portion. Such a cross-section can include a central portion and a step extending from the central portion, wherein the central portion can comprise a width, and wherein the step can comprise a cutting edge. In at least one embodiment, the cutting edge can be defined by first and second surfaces which define an angle therebetween. In various embodiments, the position of the cutting edge and/or the angle between the cutting edge surfaces can be selected in order to balance the blade with respect to the transverse axis. | 10-08-2015 |
20150297224 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297226 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 10-22-2015 |
20150327882 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The balanced blade provides a rounded distal end and concave edges to promote fine dissection and cutting in a variety of surgical procedures. The blade is curved for improved visibility at the blade tip and is designed to provide a multitude of tissue effects: coagulation, cutting, dissection, spot coagulation, tip penetration and tip scoring. The assembly features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. The assembly further features user selectable blade rotation. A finger switch is placed in the range of the natural axial motion of the user's index finger, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed. | 11-19-2015 |
20150351789 | DUAL PURPOSE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that has a cutting blade coupled to a motor and an ultrasonic blade coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments, the cutting blade includes a longitudinally extending lumen and the ultrasonic blade is disposed within the longitudinally extending lumen of the cutting blade. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a longitudinally extending lumen and the cutting blade is disposed within the longitudinally extending lumen of the ultrasonic blade. In yet other embodiments, the ultrasonic blade is substantially parallel to the cutting blade. | 12-10-2015 |
20150374367 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH INTERLOCKABLE FIRING SYSTEM - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. | 12-31-2015 |
20160000439 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000440 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 01-07-2016 |
20160074061 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH RETRACTABLE INTEGRAL CLAMP ARM - An ultrasonic instrument comprises a handle assembly configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft assembly having an acoustic waveguide and an ultrasonic blade, and a retractable clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide such that the ultrasonic transducer is operable to drive the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically via the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is configured to selectively translate between an inoperative position and an operative position. The clamp arm is positioned generally proximal to the ultrasonic blade when the clamp arm is in the inoperative position. The clamp arm is positioned lateral to the ultrasonic blade when the clamp arm is in the operative position. When in the operative position, the clamp arm is operable to move toward and away from the ultrasonic blade so as to capture and compress tissue between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110295055 | Methods and Devices For The Rerouting Of Chyme To Induct Intestinal Brake - Methods and devices reroute chyme to induce intestinal brake in order to improve the effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures and to improve comorbidity resolution. A bowel is manipulated to provide a shortened path for chyme to travel to the ileum. These methods and devices of rerouting chyme to induce intestinal brake may comprise one or more of a surgical procedure, an implanted device, or a combination of an implant with an improved surgical procedure. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295056 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295057 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295178 | Intestinal Brake Inducing Intraluminal Therapeutic Substance Eluting Devices and Methods - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices may be accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one aspect, a method of inducing satiety includes implanting an implant within a lumen of a gastrointestinal tract and retaining a portion of chyme that flows by the implant within a body of the implant. The method further involves re-releasing the retained chyme from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract at a predetermined rate slower than a rate caused by natural peristalsis. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295180 | INTESTINAL BRAKE INDUCING INTRALUMINAL THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE ELUTING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295185 | Intestinal Brake Inducing Intraluminal Therapeutic Substance Eluting Devices and Methods - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295337 | Systems and Methods For Regulating Metabolic Hormone Producing Tissue - A method for regulating hormone production comprises placing at least one electrode in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and recording an electrical signal during a preselected event produced by the gastrointestinal tract. The method further involves the steps of storing the electrical signal, and playing back the electrical signal by activating the electrode during the absence of the preselected event. | 12-01-2011 |
20120116363 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDPIECE WITH RESILIENTLY BIASED COUPLING TO MODULAR SHAFT AND END EFFECTOR - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force. | 05-10-2012 |
20130116717 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The balanced blade provides a rounded distal end and concave edges to promote fine dissection and cutting in a variety of surgical procedures. The blade is curved for improved visibility at the blade tip and is designed to provide a multitude of tissue effects: coagulation, cutting, dissection, spot coagulation, tip penetration and tip scoring. The assembly features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. The assembly further features user selectable blade rotation. A finger switch is placed in the range of the natural axial motion of the user's index finger, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed. | 05-09-2013 |
20140155807 | INTESTINAL BRAKE INDUCING INTRALUMINAL THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE ELUTING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient. | 06-05-2014 |