| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080210738 | STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERING FORMED STAPLE HEIGHTS - A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080296346 | Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical control and recording mechanisms - A surgical instrument includes an end effector. A moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector is disposed within the end effector. A pneumatically-actuated drive member is coupled to the end effector. An electrically controlled variable flow rate pneumatic valve is coupled to the pneumatically-actuated drive member. An electronic control module is coupled to an electrically controlled variable flow rate pneumatic valve to control the flow rate therethrough. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090001121 | Surgical staple having an expandable portion - A surgical staple including features which can reduce bleeding from soft tissue. In various embodiments, the surgical staple can include at least one deformable member which can puncture a hole in soft tissue as it is inserted therethrough. The deformable member can include a material thereon, or can be comprised of a material, which can expand and substantially fill the puncture hole in the soft tissue. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable member can be coated with a hydrophilic material which can expand when exposed to water, or other bodily fluids, and apply a compression force to the perimeter of the puncture hole. Such a compression force can reduce bleeding from the puncture hole and thereby reduce any potential complications resulting therefrom. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090001123 | Re-loadable surgical stapling instrument - A surgical stapler including an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end. In one various embodiment, an anvil is situated at the second end of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, a staple cartridge, configured to removably store at least one staple, is movable relative to the anvil. In various embodiments, an actuating mechanism is operably engaged with the staple cartridge through an actuating shaft. In one embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured to move the staple cartridge relative to the anvil. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090001130 | Surgical procedure using a cutting and stapling instrument having releasable staple-forming pockets - A surgical procedure including the steps of performing a plurality of cutting strokes to cut a patient's stomach into a first part and a second part. For one cutting stroke an endocutter is used that is loaded with a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples to staple the first and second parts of the stomach. One or more staples in the staple cartridge have an integrated crown and staple driver. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090206126 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL WITH ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION FEATURES FOR USE WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTORS - 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 |
| 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 |
| 20090206133 | ARTICULATABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENTS - An articulatable disposable loading unit for attachment to a stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may include a staple cartridge that is supported in a carrier that has an anvil coupled thereto. An elongated flexible articulation member may be coupled between the carrier a housing portion to facilitate articulation of the carrier relative to the housing portion. The loading unit may further have an axial drive assembly constructed to move axially through the staple cartridge in response to a drive motion imparted thereto from a portion of the stapling apparatus. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090206134 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - 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 and an anvil assembly that is movable coupled to the carrier. The various embodiments may further have an axial drive assembly that is configured to impart a closing motion to the anvil assembly and also supports a cutting blade thereon. The axial drive assembly is configured to receive firing motions and retraction motions from the surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments have an anvil release assembly that enables the anvil assembly to be released from a clamping orientation in the event that the cutting blade becomes jammed during operation. | 08-20-2009 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20090206143 | SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING BUTTRESS RETENTION FEATURES - 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 |
| 20100127041 | Surgical Stapling Instruments Structured for Delivery of Medical Agents - A medical agent dispensing system can be provided that may be structured for use with a surgical severing/stapling instrument that is designed for severing and stapling tissue. The dispensing system may include at least one storage reservoir structured for storing at least a component of a medical agent; a gear pump casing in communication with the storage reservoir; a screw pump auger positioned within the gear pump casing capable of rotational manipulation to move the medical agent through the gear pump casing; and, at least one agent tube in communication with the gear pump casing. The agent tube may be structured for communication with a least one agent port formed in a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument for dispensing the medical agent therethrough. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100181364 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MEDICAL SUBSTANCE DISPENSER - In various embodiments, an assembly of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing, a cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The assembly is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the cutting member. | 07-22-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100228092 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICES AND METHODS PROVIDING SEAL MOVEMENT IN PREDEFINED PATHS - Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228094 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICES AND METHODS PROVIDING SEAL MOVEMENT IN PREDEFINED MOVEMENT REGIONS - Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20100312064 | RETRACTOR WITH INTEGRATED WOUND CLOSURE - Methods and devices are provided to allow the same component used to access a surgical site to assist in closing the surgical opening in which it was disposed. In one exemplary embodiment a flexible retractor is provided that includes proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A wound closure component is associated with the flexible retractor and is configured to engage tissue adjacent to a surgical incision in which the retractor is disposed and move tissue from one side of the surgical incision toward a second side of the surgical incision to assist in closing the surgical incision. In one embodiment the wound closure component includes strands of suture having hooks disposed on a distal end. In another embodiment the wound closure component includes a ring having hooks disposed around a circumference of the ring. Exemplary methods for closing a surgical opening are also provided. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100312065 | ACTIVE SEAL COMPONENTS - Methods and devices are provided to allow for easy manipulation of a configuration and/or an orientation of seal elements of a surgical access device by an end user. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided that includes a retractor configured to be positioned within a surgical incision to provide access to a body cavity, seal elements disposed within a lumen of the retractor, and adjustment mechanisms in communication with the seal elements and which are configured to manipulate an orientation of one or more of the seal elements. Types of adjustment mechanisms capable of manipulating the seal elements as desired include inflatable bladders and electroactive polymers. Exemplary methods for providing easy manipulation of the configuration and/or orientation of seal elements of a surgical access device on location are also provided. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100312066 | INFLATABLE RETRACTOR WITH INSUFFLATION - Various methods and devices are provided for accessing a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided and includes an elongate member having a proximal support member configured to rest against an external tissue surface, a flexible elongate central portion extending distally from the proximal support member and configured to extend through tissue, and an inflatable distal portion coupled to a distal end of the central portion. The distal portion is movable between an initial configuration, in which the distal portion is configured to be passed through an incision in tissue, and an inflated configuration in which the distal portion is expanded such that the central portion forms a working channel through the tissue for access to a body cavity. The distal portion can include an opening such that gas delivered to the distal portion can flow through the opening to insufflate a body cavity. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110040309 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICE WITH SPACER - An implantable restriction device includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt for engagement with tissue when the implantable restriction device is positioned about the stomach. A spacer is associated with the belt for maintaining the restriction device in a spaced relation with a staple line employed during gastric reduction surgery. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040313 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICE WITH PROTECTIVE MEMBER - An implantable restriction device includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt for engagement with tissue when the implantable restriction device is positioned about an organ. A protective member is associated with the balloon for positioning between the balloon and a tissue surface defining a band tissue interface. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110060363 | SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME - A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing the tissue captured therein. As a result, a single staple design can be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures thereby reducing the amount of staple designs that must be provided to the surgeon. In at least one embodiment, the staple includes a crushable member. This crushable member can include a plastically deformable first portion and an elastically deformable second portion. The present invention can also include, in various embodiments, a crown, a first deformable member extending from the crown, and means for compressing the tissue against the first deformable member. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110124967 | DISCRETE FLEXION HEAD FOR SINGLE PORT DEVICE - Methods and devices are provided for accessing a body cavity. A surgical access device can be configured to be positioned in tissue to provide access through a working channel of the device to a body cavity underlying the tissue. The device can include a flexible member and a plurality of discrete housing portions disposed in at least a proximal portion of an outer housing. Each of the discrete housing portions can be surrounded by the flexible member within the outer housing and be configured to move therein relative to one another and to the outer housing. The flexible member can be configured to act as a barrier between the discrete housing portions such that when one of the discrete housing portions moves, the flexible member can flex to allow the other discrete housing portions to remain in a substantially fixed position relative to the outer housing. | 05-26-2011 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20110144437 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS THROUGH TISSUE TO A SURGICAL SITE - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144442 | Methods and Devices for Providing Access into a Body Cavity - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical access device to be securely positioned within an opening in tissue to provide access to a body cavity underlying the tissue. An actuator can be rotatably disposed on or in a housing of a surgical access device such that rotation of the actuator relative to the housing is effective to move a cannula of the surgical access device between an insertion configuration in which the cannula has a reduced profile enabling it to easily be inserted into a tissue opening, and an expanded profile enabling it to form an anchor against and/or within the tissue opening. | 06-16-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110144447 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING ACCESS THROUGH TISSUE TO A SURGICAL SITE - Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. Generally, the methods and devices allow adjustment of a surgical access port's longitudinal length. In one embodiment, a surgical access port is provided that includes a housing having a cannula distally extending therefrom. The housing can be configured to cut a proximal portion of the cannula to adjust a longitudinal length of the cannula and hence of the surgical access port. In another embodiment, a surgical access port is provided that includes a cannula formed of a plurality of modular segments removably coupled together. One or more of the segments can be configured to be removable from the cannula to change the cannula's longitudinal length. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144448 | Methods and Devices for Providing Access into a Body Cavity - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical access device to be securely positioned within an opening in tissue to provide access to a body cavity underlying the tissue. An actuator can be rotatably disposed on or in a housing of a surgical access device such that rotation of the actuator relative to the housing is effective to move a cannula of the surgical access device between an insertion configuration in which the cannula has a reduced profile enabling it to easily be inserted into a tissue opening, and an expanded profile enabling it to form an anchor against and/or within the tissue opening. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144589 | INVERTED CONICAL EXPANDABLE RETRACTOR - 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 |
| 20110144590 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING ACCESS THROUGH TISSUE TO A SURGICAL SITE - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110147434 | SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 06-23-2011 |
