Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275446 | TWO-PIECE JAW FOR BIPOLAR ABLATION DEVICE - A method and device for transmural ablation using an electrosurgical device having a pair of angled clamping jaws designed to be disassembled outside the patient and reassembled within the patient in a series of method steps. This disassemble and reassemble design of the electrosurgical device fits within the narrow gap between ribs of the patient, and offers unusual opportunities to work in difficult to access areas such as the thoracic cavity. Once the surgery has been performed, the electrosurgical device can be disassembled in the patient and removed one piece at a time, or removed as a unit. | 11-06-2008 |
20080287837 | ULTRASOUND MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An ultrasound medical system includes an interstitial end effector. The interstitial end effector is interstitially insertable into patient tissue, includes at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer, and includes at least one end-effector-tissue-track ablation device. One method for ultrasonically treating a lesion in a patient includes the steps of obtaining the interstitial end effector and inserting it into the patient creating a tissue track which is surrounded by patient tissue and which ends at the distal end of the inserted interstitial end effector. Other steps include ultrasonically ablating the lesion using the at-least-one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer, using the at-least-one end-effector-tissue-track ablation device to ablate the patient tissue surrounding the tissue track along substantially the entire tissue track, and withdrawing the end effector from the patient. | 11-20-2008 |
20080300461 | Endoscopic Device - An endoscopic surgical instrument for performing a procedure inside a patient. The instrument includes a handle assembly including a grip for holding the instrument and controls for controlling movement of the instrument. An elongate shaft having a grip end is mounted on the handle assembly. The shaft has a working end opposite the grip end. The shaft has a proximal portion adjacent the grip end and a distal portion adjacent the working end. The proximal portion has a centerline and is selectively rotatable with respect to the handle assembly. The distal portion has a centerline and is selectively articulatable relative to the proximal portion of the shaft. The instrument includes an end effector mounted on the working end of the elongate shaft. The end effector is selectively rotatable about the distal portion of the shaft. | 12-04-2008 |
20090143806 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL BLADES - An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body. | 06-04-2009 |
20090206124 | 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206128 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEMS - A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206130 | 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206131 | 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206135 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT WITH FIRING INDICATOR - A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a carrier that supports a staple cartridge therein, an anvil assembly that is movably coupled to the carrier, and an axial drive assembly that is constructed to move in a distal direction from a start position to an end position through the staple cartridge in response to a drive motion imparted to the axial drive assembly from the surgical stapling apparatus. A firing indicator is provided on at least one of the anvil assembly and housing for indicating a position of the axial drive assembly as the axial drive assembly is driven from the start position to the end position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206137 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit for a surgical stapling instrument can include an anvil, a staple cartridge, a staple cartridge channel for operably supporting the staple cartridge, and a connector for removably attaching the disposable loading unit to the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a first staple cartridge can be replaced with another staple cartridge after the first staple cartridge has been at least partially expended. In various embodiments, a staple cartridge can include a staple driver for deploying staples from the staple cartridge and a cutting member for incising tissue, wherein a new staple driver and a new cutting member can be provided with each new staple cartridge. The anvil can be removably attachable to the disposable loading unit such that a new anvil can be utilized with a new staple cartridge. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206138 | CLOSURE SYSTEMS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator configured to be retracted relative to the distal end of the disposable loading unit and rotate an anvil between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can include a cam, where the cam can include an arcuate profile having an apex configured to be in contact with the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil can apply a clamping force to the soft tissue prior to the staples being deployed to prevent, or at least inhibit, soft tissue from flowing, or ‘milking’, out of the distal end of the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit having an anvil which can be moved between open, closed, and/or collapsed positions to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit through a trocar. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206139 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206140 | END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position. | 08-20-2009 |
20100036405 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING WITH STEPPED OUTPUT - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic transducer in a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal is different from the second drive signal over the respective first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator configured to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument. The ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide, and wherein the ultrasonic drive system is configured to resonate at a resonant frequency. | 02-11-2010 |
20100312063 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACCESSING A BODY CAVITY USING A SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE WITH MODULAR SEAL COMPONENTS - Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can include a hollow tubular member and a modular seal member. The modular seal member can be configured to radially span a lumen of the tubular member and can be removably and replaceably matable to a portion of the tubular member. The access device can also include a plurality of access ports, each of which can be configured to mate with the modular seal member at a respective desired location. | 12-09-2010 |
20110006099 | 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. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015627 | IMPEDANCE MONITORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument that can supply mechanical energy and electrical energy to an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises an ultrasonic generator module coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, which comprises an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide. The ultrasonic drive system is configured to resonate mechanically at a resonant frequency to generate a first ultrasonic drive signal. An electronic circuit is coupled to the ultrasonic generator module to monitor an electrical characteristic of the ultrasonic drive system. A processor is coupled to the electronic circuit to control the ultrasonic drive signal in response to the monitored electrical characteristic of the ultrasonic drive system. | 01-20-2011 |
20110068148 | 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. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071553 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM WITH LOAD MONITOR - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071557 | SYMMETRICAL DRIVE SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICE - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. The tension element is composed of a flexible first member and a flexible second member, wherein the flexible first member is movable relative to the flexible second member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071558 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM TENSION RELEASE MECHANISM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071646 | TISSUE INTERFACE FOR IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110082486 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087213 | SURGICAL GENERATOR FOR ULTRASONIC AND ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES - A surgical generator for providing a drive signal to a surgical device may have a receptacle assembly having a receptacle body, a flange and a central protruding portion. The outer periphery of the central protruding portion may have at least one curved section and at least one linear section. Additionally, a surgical instrument may comprise an electrical connector assembly having a flange. The flange may comprise at least one curved section and at least one linear section. In some embodiments, A surgical instrument system may comprise a surgical generator, a surgical instrument comprising a connector assembly, and an adapter assembly operatively coupled to the receptacle assembly and the connector assembly. | 04-14-2011 |
20110100381 | Method of Treating Metabolic Disorder By Severing the Bile Duct - The present invention generally provides for a method of treating metabolic disorder by severing a bile duct from fluid communication with an intestine at a first target site adjacent the Oddi sphincter, thereby creating a severed bile duct. The method further involves re-establishing fluid communication of the severed bile duct with the intestine by attaching a distal end of the severed bile duct to a second target site along the intestine, wherein said second target site is distal to the first target site. | 05-05-2011 |
20110105985 | Treatment For Metabolic Disorders By Diverting Bile To the Circulatory System - The present invention generally provides for a method for diverting a portion of the bilopancreatic secretions of a patient to the circulatory system. The method involves placing a proximal end catheter adjacent the sphincter of oddi and diverting bilopancreatic secretions into the catheter. The method further involves placing a distal end of the catheter within the lumen of the circulatory system of a patient. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106020 | Catheter For Deactivating At Least A Portion of the Digestive Enzymes In An Amount Of Bile - The present invention generally provides for a catheter for surgically treating a patient. The catheter has an inlet catheter having a proximal end and an open distal end, and first and second branch sections having proximal ends attached to the open distal end of the inlet lumen. The first and second branch sections and distal ends terminating at an open proximal end of an outlet lumen. The first passageway lumen has a device for deactivating at least a portion of the digestive enzymes in an amount of bile. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106225 | Method For Surgically Treating A Patient By Deactivating A Portion Of The Digestive Enzymes - The present invention generally provides for correcting an imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure in patients, as well as for treating co-morbidities often associated therewith, which is non-invasive or minimally invasive and which may be reversible. More specifically, the present invention provides systems which cause metabolic improvement in a patient by controlling the amount of bile available for food breakdown or by controlling the effective absorption time and area by delivering bile to selected locations in the intestinal tract. These methods and devices fall under three general categories: bile diversion systems, bile manipulation systems, and surgical methods. | 05-05-2011 |
20110132962 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES - 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. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132964 | 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. | 06-09-2011 |
20110201975 | ULTRASOUND MEDICAL SYSTEM - An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound end effector and at least one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor. The ultrasound end effector includes a medical ultrasound transducer assembly having at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer. The at-least-one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor is supported by the ultrasound end effector and is positionable in contact with patient tissue. | 08-18-2011 |
20110295054 | Method of Filling an Intraluminal Reservoir with a Therapeutic Substance - Methods described herein involve introducing a nasogastric tube into a patient, connecting the nasogastric tube with a reservoir, anchoring the nasogastric tube with the nasal cavity, and introducing a substance into the reservoir through the nasogastric tube. | 12-01-2011 |
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 |
20120078139 | SURGICAL GENERATOR FOR ULTRASONIC AND ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES - A generator is disclosed to generate a drive signal to a surgical device. The generator includes an ultrasonic generator module to generate a first drive signal to drive an ultrasonic device, an electrosurgery/radio frequency (RF) generator module to generate a second drive signal to drive an electrosurgical device, and a foot switch coupled to each of the ultrasonic generator module and the electrosurgery/RF generator module. The foot switch is configured to operate in a first mode when the ultrasonic device is coupled to the ultrasonic generator module and the foot switch is configured to operate in a second mode when the electrosurgical device is coupled to the electrosurgery/RF generator module. The generator further includes a user interface to provide feedback in accordance with the operation of any one of the ultrasonic device and the electrosurgical device in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. | 03-29-2012 |
20120123458 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING WITH STEPPED OUTPUT - An apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector in a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal second drive signal are different over the first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument comprising an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonate frequency. | 05-17-2012 |
20120310262 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310263 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310264 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120330338 | BLADES WITH FUNCTIONAL BALANCE ASYMMETRIES FOR USE WITH ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a blade end-effector having a curved geometry. The curved geometry creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the asymmetries of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. | 12-27-2012 |
20130035706 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING WITH STEPPED OUTPUT - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic transducer in a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal. The first drive signal is different from the second drive signal. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument. The ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonant frequency. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic drive system coupled to a generator. | 02-07-2013 |
20130035707 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING WITH STEPPED OUTPUT - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal. The first drive signal is different from the second drive signal. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform. The apparatus comprises a generator configured to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument. The ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide, and wherein the ultrasonic drive system configured to resonates at a resonant frequency. | 02-07-2013 |
20130282003 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold. | 10-24-2013 |
20130296908 | TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Various forms are directed to a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The ultrasonic surgical instrument may be activated by generating a drive signal provided to the ultrasonic drive system to drive the end effector. A plurality of input variables may be applied to a multi-variable model to generate a multi-variable model output, where the multi-variable model output corresponds to an effect of the ultrasonic instrument on tissue. The plurality of input variables may comprise at least one variable describing the drive signal and at least one variable describing a property of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. When the multi-variable model output reaches a threshold value, feedback may be generated indicating a corresponding state of at least one of the ultrasonic surgical instrument and tissue acted upon by the ultrasonic surgical instrument. | 11-07-2013 |
20130324999 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ORIENTATION SENSING - A surgical instrument comprises a body assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a control module, an orientation sensor communicatively coupled to the control module, and an energy component. The energy component is operable to activate the end effector at a plurality of energy settings. A storage device is communicatively coupled to the control module and includes a plurality of gesture profiles and corresponding energy settings. The control module is configured to set the energy setting of the energy component to a corresponding energy setting in response to a correlation between the output of the orientation sensor and a gesture profile. In some versions, the control module modifies the energy setting based upon output from a force sensor that measures the force on the end effector. The control module may also decrease the energy setting in response to an anomalous acceleration or deceleration detected by an accelerometer. | 12-05-2013 |
20140005701 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATING SHAFTS | 01-02-2014 |
20140005704 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DISTALLY POSITIONED JAW ASSEMBLIES | 01-02-2014 |
20140114334 | FLEXIBLE HARMONIC WAVEGUIDES/BLADES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises an articulable harmonic waveguide. The articulable harmonic waveguide comprises a first drive section comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first drive section may be configured to connect to an ultrasonic transducer. The articulable harmonic waveguide further comprises a first flexible waveguide coupled to the distal end of the first drive section. An end effector extends distally from the first flexible waveguide. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation actuator to flex the first flexible waveguide. | 04-24-2014 |
20140135804 | ULTRASONIC AND ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES - Disclosed are ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices. The disclosed embodiments include ultrasonic blades comprising various grasping features, devices configured to prevent ingress of surgical matter, e.g., fluid and tissue, in the space between an ultrasonic blade and an inner or outer tube distal of the distal seal, alternate closure mechanisms for ultrasonic devices, ultrasonic transducer rotation limiters to limit the rotation of an ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic transducer rotation systems to provide unlimited continuous rotation of an ultrasonic device, integrated ultrasonic instrument electrically connected to provide RF spot coagulation with an ultrasonic (RF) generator, and coated ultrasonic/RF blades. | 05-15-2014 |
20140207124 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SELECTABLE INTEGRAL OR EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE - A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an active feature configured to operate on tissue. The body includes a drive feature operable to drive the active feature of the end effector. The body is operable to selectively couple with a variety of power sources such that the drive feature may receive electrical power form a battery or from a corded power source, based on a user's preference. The body may include a handpiece that has a socket configured to receive a battery or cable adapter. The body may removably receive various kinds of shaft assemblies to provide various operating modalities. The shaft assemblies may include user interface features. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214019 | BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL HAND SHEARS - An apparatus comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first handle, and a second handle. The second jaw is pivotally coupled with the first jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to grasp tissue. The jaws provide offset electrode surfaces that are operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. The apparatus is further operable to sever tissue. A lockout feature selectively prevents tissue severing, based on an energization state of the jaws. | 07-31-2014 |
20140276738 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE CLAMPING MECHANISMS - A nested trigger assembly for a surgical instrument may generally comprise a first trigger and a second trigger, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are movable together on a first stroke of the nested trigger assembly, wherein the second trigger is configured to be biased away from the first trigger after the first stroke and before a second stroke, and wherein the second trigger is configured to be moved toward to the first trigger during the second stroke. A surgical instrument may generally comprise a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a handle extending from the proximal end, wherein the handle comprises a gripping portion, and a nested trigger assembly extending from the handle. The nested trigger assemble may comprise one of a separable trigger assembly and a divisible trigger assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276970 | MECHANICAL FASTENERS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL ENERGY DEVICES - A surgical system comprises an end effector including an ultrasonic blade and a capturing arm, wherein the capturing arm is movable to capture tissue against the ultrasonic blade. In addition, the surgical system includes a transducer configured to generate ultrasonic energy for transmission to the ultrasonic blade and a clamping member removably coupled to the end effector, the clamping member configured to clamp the captured tissue. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277029 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL SHEARS WITH CLAMPING FEATURE - An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, and an end effector. The acoustic waveguide extends along the shaft and is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotable toward the ultrasonic blade. The end effector defines a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade in the first longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to sever tissue with the ultrasonic blade in the second longitudinal region. | 09-18-2014 |
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 |
20140323864 | Medical System Having an Ultrasound Source and an Acoustic Coupling Medium - An ultrasound medical system has an end effector including a medical ultrasound transducer and an acoustic coupling medium. The acoustic coupling medium has a transducer-proximal surface and a transducer-distal surface. The medical ultrasound transducer is positioned to emit medical ultrasound through the acoustic coupling medium from the transducer-proximal surface to the transducer-distal surface. The end effector is adapted to change a property (such as the shape and/or the temperature) of the acoustic coupling medium during emission, and/or between emissions, of medical ultrasound from the medical ultrasound transducer during a medical procedure on a patient. In one example, such changes are used to change the focus and/or beam angle of the emitted ultrasound during the medical procedure. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330298 | CLAMP ARM FEATURES FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The shaft assembly comprises an inner tube configured to longitudinally translate to thereby pivot the clamp arm toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. A distal portion of the inner tube is operable to flex to thereby accommodate pivoting of the clamp arm. | 11-06-2014 |
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 |
20140364884 | BLADES WITH FUNCTIONAL BALANCE ASYMMETRIES FOR USE WITH ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines blade end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut offset by some distance to form a curved geometry. The cut creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the curve of the instrument is corrected by a non-functional asymmetry proximal to the functional asymmetry. Imbalance due to the asymmetric cross-section of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. The shape of the blade in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by two radiused cuts offset by some distance to form a curved and potentially tapered geometry. These two cuts create curved surfaces including a concave surface and a convex surface. The length of the radiused cuts affects, in part, the acoustic balancing of the transverse motion induced by the curved shape. | 12-11-2014 |
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 |