Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080308602 | Surgical stapling and cutting instruments - A multi-axis surgical stapling and cutting instrument. In various embodiments, the instrument includes a tool assembly that operably supports a cable powered knife assembly and further has an anvil that is actuated by axial movement of a closure ring. The instrument may further include a disposable reload unit that may be attached to the reusable portion of the instrument without the use of tools. Various embodiments may also employ an active articulation control system for actively articulating the tool assembly. | 12-18-2008 |
20080308606 | Surgical stapling and cutting instrument with improved firing system - A surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel assembly that has a distal end and a proximal end and is constructed to operably support a staple cartridge assembly therein. The instrument may further include a knife assembly that is oriented for travel within the elongate channel assembly. At least one first cable transition support is operably mounted to the distal end of the elongate channel and at least one second cable transition support is operably attached to the knife assembly. A first cable is affixed to the distal end of the elongate channel assembly and extends around the first and second cable transition supports to interface with a cable drive system. In various embodiments, the cable drive system may comprise a winch assembly or a pinion driven rack. | 12-18-2008 |
20080308607 | Surgical stapling and cutting instrument with improved closure system - Closure systems for applying a closure motion to an anvil assembly of a surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument includes a cable drive knife assembly and the anvil assembly thereof is moved to a closed position when contacted by a closure tube assembly that has a pushing force applied thereto. Other embodiments include closure systems that may be actuated by rotary motion. Various lockable articulation joints are also disclosed. | 12-18-2008 |
20090012556 | Laparoscopic tissue thickness and clamp load measuring devices - A surgical instrument having opposed jaws that can be selectively moved between open and closed positions. Various embodiments include components for measuring the thickness of tissue clamped between the opposed jaws. Some embodiments are configured to ascertain the amount of compressive force that is being applied to the tissue while the thickness of the tissue is being determined. The tissue thickness data is displayed on the instrument itself and/or on a display that is remote from the instrument. The various embodiments may comprise different types of surgical instruments such as surgical staplers and graspers. A jaw arrangement with jaws shaped to define a cradle that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of an object is also disclosed. The components that generate the thickness data may be electrically or mechanically actuated. | 01-08-2009 |
20090206136 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209946 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 08-20-2009 |
20100023025 | Reloadable laparoscopic fastener deploying device with disposable cartridge for use in a gastric volume reduction procedure - A method of deploying fasteners within a body by providing a device having a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends, and a needle within the hollow housing. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the distal end of the hollow housing. The fastener is at least partially housed within the needle and has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The method uses the steps of inserting the distal end of the hollow housing to a target site within a body, attaching tissue together within the body by deploying the fastener, and removing the first cartridge and replacing it with a second cartridge. | 01-28-2010 |
20100036194 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DEPLOYMENT OF A SUB-PERICARDIAL SACK - Various methods and devices for deploying a sub-pericardial sack about at least a portion of a heart to alleviate congestive heart failure. A medical device housing the sub-pericardial sack is inserted into the pericardial sack. An inverted umbrella framework is deployed through the medical device and into the pericardial sack to position the sub-pericardial sack adjacent the heart. The umbrella framework is then retracted through the medical device once the cardiac assist device is placed adjacent the heart. A steerable catheter can instead be deployed through the pericardial sack to deploy and position a cardiac assist device, such as a mesh, around the heart. The steerable catheter is covered by a sheath housing the cardiac assist device. Once the sheath is pulled back, the cardiac assist device is deployed and secured adjacent the heart. Filaments or tensions wires are used to tighten the mesh around the heart. | 02-11-2010 |
20100224669 | PNEUMATICALLY POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH A VARIABLE CONTROL OF THE ACTUATING RATE OF FIRING WITH MECHANICAL POWER ASSIST - A surgical instrument that includes a distal member configured to receive a pneumatically operated tool assembly therein. The instrument may also include pneumatically powered drive member configured to generate at least one actuation motion upon receipt of at least one pneumatic signal from a source of pneumatic power fluidically coupled thereto. A drive shaft assembly communicates with the pneumatically powered drive member for transmitting the actuation motions to the distally mounted pneumatically operated tool. The device further includes a power assist member that communicates with the drive shaft assembly for transmitting additional manually generated actuation motions to the drive shaft assembly. | 09-09-2010 |
20100301096 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 12-02-2010 |
20110011298 | AIR CUSHION OR WHEELED OVERHEAD GUIDEWAY SYSTEM - An air cushion or wheeled overhead guideway mass transit system is disclosed. | 01-20-2011 |
20110062212 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 03-17-2011 |
20110082471 | Reloadable Laparoscopic Fastener Deploying Device - A device for deploying fasteners including a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle. The device also includes an elongated pusher movable through the hollow housing from the proximal to the distal end to deploy the fasteners. The device further includes a deforming member for deforming the pusher at a proximal end thereof while advancing the pusher to the distal end of the housing. | 04-07-2011 |
20110121052 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 05-26-2011 |
20110132965 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144443 | INVERTED CONICAL EXPANDABLE RETRACTOR WITH COIL SPRING - Access devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve flexible or adjustable cannulas that have a substantially cylindrical insertion configuration and a substantially conical expanded configuration. Various methods and features are provided for transitioning the cannula from the insertion configuration to the expanded configuration while the access device is inserted through tissue to form a conical opening through the tissue. Examples include cables, biasing elements, retaining elements, bimodal rings, and coil springs. The devices and methods disclosed herein can allow for improved retention of the access device, improved angulation of instruments passed through the access device, and can increase the integrity of a seal formed between the access device and surrounding tissue. | 06-16-2011 |
20110282381 | Therapeutic Cell Applicator Instrument with Modular Tips - A surgical device comprises a housing, a bioprocessing module, an end effector, and a pumping device. The bioprocessing module comprises media reservoirs, fluid conduits in communication with the reservoirs, and a port through which media is expelled. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen and delivering a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit extending therethrough and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit in the first end effector is in fluid communication with the port on the bioprocessing module. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the first end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice. | 11-17-2011 |
20110290855 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a robotic system configured to generate control systems therefor. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the robotic system to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290856 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FORCE-FEEDBACK CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument include an end effector that has a moveable cutting implement. A main drive shaft assembly operably interfaces with the end effector for transmitting an actuation motion to the movable cutting implement therein. A gear drive train is connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The gear drive train is actuated by a motor that is configured to receive control signals from a robotic system. Various embodiments include a sensor arrangement that operably interfaces the end effector to communicate forces experienced by the end effector to the robotic system. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295295 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end effector that comprises a staple channel and an anvil that is movably translatable relative to the staple channel. A tool mounting portion is configured to interface with a robotic system and operably communicate with the end effector. The instrument further includes a first sensor that has an output that represents a first condition of a portion of the robotic system A second sensor has an output that represents a position of the anvil. An third sensor has an output that represents a position of a reciprocating knife within the end effector. An externally accessible memory device communicates with the first, second and third sensors. | 12-01-2011 |
20120080495 | RELOADABLE LAPAROSCOPIC FASTENER DEPLOYING DEVICE - A device for deploying fasteners including a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle. The device also includes an elongated pusher movable through the hollow housing from the proximal to the distal end to deploy the fasteners. The device further includes a deforming member for deforming the pusher at a proximal end thereof while advancing the pusher to the distal end of the housing. | 04-05-2012 |
20120175399 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 07-12-2012 |
20120241502 | TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR COMPRISING RESILIENT MEMBERS - A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element. | 09-27-2012 |
20130200132 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 08-08-2013 |
20140207166 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A surgical instrument comprises an articulable end effector; a drive shaft connected to the end effector that drives the end effector; an electric motor connected to the drive shaft that drives the drive shaft; a battery unit for supplying power to the electric motor; at least one sensor for sensing a status of the instrument; and a visual status indicator located on the instrument and in communication with the at least one sensor. The visual status indicator is for displaying visually to a user of the instrument a status of the instrument based on an input from the at least one sensor. | 07-24-2014 |
20140243865 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 08-28-2014 |
20140252067 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252069 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252071 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140330161 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 11-06-2014 |
20150060518 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060519 | END EFFECTOR FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS COMPRISING A LOCKOUT - A surgical stapling assembly can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body and staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The stapling assembly can also comprise, one, a firing system configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body during a firing operation and, two, an interlock circuit configured to detect the position of the first jaw, wherein the interlock circuit is in a first state when the interlock circuit detects the first jaw is in an open position and a second state when the interlock circuit detects the first jaw is in a closed position, and wherein the interlock circuit is configured to prevent a said firing operation when the interlock circuit is in its first state. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060520 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS COMPRISING A USAGE LOCKOUT - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 03-05-2015 |
20150076207 | LAPAROSCOPIC TISSUE THICKNESS AND CLAMP LOAD MEASURING DEVICES - A surgical instrument having opposed jaws that can be selectively moved between open and closed positions. Various embodiments include components for measuring the thickness of tissue clamped between the opposed jaws. Some embodiments are configured to ascertain the amount of compressive force that is being applied to the tissue while the thickness of the tissue is being determined. The tissue thickness data is displayed on the instrument itself and/or on a display that is remote from the instrument. The various embodiments may comprise different types of surgical instruments such as surgical staplers and graspers. A jaw arrangement with jaws shaped to define a cradle that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of an object is also disclosed. The components that generate the thickness data may be electrically or mechanically actuated. | 03-19-2015 |