Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080243106 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. For example, a surgeon can actuate an actuation mechanism on the proximal end of the shaft to mate one of the end effectors to the distal end of the shaft without assistance from other tools and devices. After use of the end effector, the end effector can be released and another end effector can be remotely attached to the distal end of the shaft. | 10-02-2008 |
20080255403 | MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE THERAPIES - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255425 | NANOPARTICLE TREATED MEDICAL DEVICES - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255458 | SYSTEM AND METHOD USING FLUORESCENCE TO EXAMINE WITHIN A PATIENT'S ANATOMY - A system for examining an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises a probe capable of fluorescing, and a scanning beam assembly that scans the probe with a beam of excitation radiation and detects the probe's fluorescence. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting one or more wavelengths of radiation that are capable of exciting the probe and causing the probe to fluoresce, a scanning device that directs the radiation onto a field-of-view to create a scan of the field-of-view, a detector to detect radiation returned from the field-of-view, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable fluorescence image. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255460 | NANOPARTICLE TISSUE BASED IDENTIFICATION AND ILLUMINATION - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and/or light sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles are biocompatible, and more preferably they can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one aspect, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255537 | BIOCOMPATIBLE NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
20080319307 | Method for medical imaging using fluorescent nanoparticles - A first method for medically imaging a patient includes obtaining a carrier medium containing fluorescent nanoparticles. The carrier medium containing the fluorescent nanoparticles is disposed inside the patient at a site where the carrier medium will migrate to specific tissue of known shape. The nanoparticles are activated to fluoresce. Image data of the patient is obtained including the specific tissue after the specific tissue has picked-up the fluorescing fluorescent nanoparticles. The known shape of the specific tissue is identified in the image data. An image representation of the image data is created using the identified known shape as a fiducial. An image of the image representation of the image data is displayed. In a second method, the carrier medium is injected inside tissue of the patient at a site where the carrier medium will be localized in the injected tissue, and the injecting deposits the medium in a predetermined shape in the tissue. | 12-25-2008 |
20090118587 | Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly - A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118751 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALERTING GENERATOR FUNCTIONS IN AN ULTRASONIC SURGICAL SYSTEM - The present invention provides a system for surgery which includes an ultrasonic hand piece having a end-effector, a console having a digital signal processor (DSP) for controlling the hand piece, and a memory disposed in the end-effector. The generator console sends a drive current to drive the hand piece which imparts ultrasonic longitudinal movement to the blade. As the generator console reads the memory, the hand piece is authenticated for use with the generator console if a copyrighted data string is present in the memory. In a particular embodiment, the data string is an encrypted code, where the hand piece is authenticated for use with the console by decoding a corresponding encryption algorithm resident in the generator console and providing a responding data pattern. | 05-07-2009 |
20100030032 | ACCESS DEVICE - A surgical access device includes a base having two or more ports or apertures that provide for the insertion of surgical instruments. The multi-port insert may be used with a laparoscopic access device. The multi-port insert may also include one or more instrument supports that are attached to the base to fix the position of one or more surgical instruments inserted through the multi-port insert. | 02-04-2010 |
20100081863 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PERFORMING GASTRECTOMIES AND GASTROPLASTIES - Methods and devices are provided for performing gastrectomies and gastroplasties. In one embodiment, a method includes gaining access to a stomach of a patient through an opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall and an opening formed in the patient's vaginal wall. Tissue attached to the stomach can be tensioned using a surgical instrument inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings and can be separated from the stomach to free the stomach fundus using a dissecting surgical instrument inserted through another opening, e.g., through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings. The fundus can be at least partially transected using a surgical stapler inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings, thereby forming a stomach “sleeve.” In another embodiment, the method is modified to form another opening in the patient's abdominal wall instead of forming an opening in the vaginal wall. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081864 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PERFORMING GASTRECTOMIES AND GASTROPLASTIES - Methods and devices are provided for performing gastrectomies and gastroplasties. In one embodiment, a method includes gaining access to a stomach of a patient through an opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall and an opening formed in the patient's vaginal wall. Tissue attached to the stomach can be tensioned using a surgical instrument inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings and can be separated from the stomach to free the stomach fundus using a dissecting surgical instrument inserted through another opening, e.g., through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings. The fundus can be at least partially transected using a surgical stapler inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings, thereby forming a stomach “sleeve.” In another embodiment, the method is modified to form another opening in the patient's abdominal wall instead of forming an opening in the vaginal wall. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081880 | Surgical Access Device - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081881 | Surgical Access Device with Protective Element - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081882 | Multiple Port Surgical Access Device - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081883 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PERFORMING GASTROPLASTIES USING A MULTIPLE PORT ACCESS DEVICE - Methods and devices are provided for performing gastroplasties. In one embodiment, a method of performing a gastroplasty includes gaining access to a stomach of a patient through an opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall. A multiple port access device having two or more sealing ports through which surgical instruments can be inserted can be positioned in the abdominal opening. Various instruments can be inserted through the various sealing ports to perform certain steps, such as tensioning and cutting tissue, sizing and transecting the stomach, viewing the surgical site, etc. The methods and devices can be used to perform a Magenstrasse and Mill procedure in which only a portion of the stomach is transected. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081995 | Variable Surgical Access Device - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
20100228090 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING ACCESS INTO A BODY CAVITY - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each sealing port can be in a fixed position relative to the housing and can be rotatable with the housing relative to the retractor. A plurality of safety shields can extend from the housing into the retractor to protect the retractor from instruments inserted through the sealing ports and into the retractor. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228093 | TISSUE RETRACTION DEVICE - A visceral barrier has a barrier element that is changeable between an opened and a closed configuration. The barrier element may be positioned while in the opened configuration to temporarily reposition the viscera within the body cavity. A method of repositioning the viscera in a body cavity of a patient during a surgical procedure includes providing a visceral barrier, introducing the visceral barrier into the body cavity when the barrier element is in the closed configuration, opening the barrier element to the opened configuration, and positioning the barrier element within the body cavity to reposition the viscera and provide a space for performing a surgical procedure. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228096 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING ACCESS INTO A BODY CAVITY - Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each sealing port can be in a fixed position relative to the housing and can be rotatable with the housing relative to the retractor. A plurality of safety shields can extend from the housing into the retractor to protect the retractor from instruments inserted through the sealing ports and into the retractor. | 09-09-2010 |
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 |
20110306842 | Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly - A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. | 12-15-2011 |
20130138091 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 05-30-2013 |
20140378953 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 12-25-2014 |
20150088191 | Detachable End Effectors - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 03-26-2015 |