Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275297 | ENDOSCOPIC GUIDE DEVICE - Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools. | 11-06-2008 |
20090112059 | Apparatus and methods for closing a gastrotomy - A surgical instrument for forming a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise a hollow tip for attachment to a distal end of a tubular member such as an endoscope. In other embodiments, the hollow tip is integrally formed on the distal end of the endoscope. The hollow tip is configured such that when it is brought into contact with the inner layer of tissue in the stomach, the tissue is caused to stretch. A hole-forming device may be passed through the hollow tip to pierce through the stretched inner layer and adjacent outer layers of tissue to form a passageway therethrough for permitting surgical procedures to be performed therethrough. After the surgical procedures are performed through the passageway, the hollow tip is removed from contact with the inner layer of tissue to permit the inner layer of tissue to relax and to cause the holes formed through the inner layer and outer layers of tissue to be offset from each other. | 04-30-2009 |
20090299143 | ACTUATING AND ARTICULATING SURGICAL DEVICE - Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. A decoupling member can isolate the actuation of the end effector from the articulation of the end effector. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306658 | MANUALLY ARTICULATING DEVICES - A surgical device is disclosed. The device includes an elongate shaft having a distal end coupled to a proximal end of an articulation joint, and an actuation wire extending through the elongate shaft and the articulation joint. The device further includes an end effector having a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the articulation joint and receiving therethrough a distal end of the actuation wire. The end effector includes a hook knife disposed adjacent the distal tip and having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the actuation wire. The actuation wire is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to extend and retract the distal end of the hook knife relative to the distal tip of the end effector, and the articulation joint is laterally articulatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to allow the end effector to be angularly oriented relative to the elongate shaft. | 12-10-2009 |
20100152539 | POSITIONABLE IMAGING MEDICAL DEVICES - A positionable imaging device includes a body defining a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be received within an internal body cavity. An imaging device is located at the first end of the body. A releasable fastener is coupled to the body to removably attach the imaging device to tissue within the internal body cavity. A release mechanism is coupled to the releasable fastener to detach the imaging device from the tissue. | 06-17-2010 |
20100280326 | SURGICAL DEVICES FOR INTERNAL ACCESS THROUGH TISSUE - Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can be configured to move between a first, expanded configuration, and a second, compressed configuration. As the device moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, a longitudinal length of the device can decrease, thereby allowing the device to be securely positioned in tissue and reducing a distance that the device extends into a body cavity. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280327 | 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. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can be configured to move between a first, expanded configuration, and a second, compressed configuration. As the device moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, a longitudinal length of the device can decrease, thereby allowing the device to be securely positioned in tissue and reducing a distance that the device extends into a body cavity. | 11-04-2010 |
20110087224 | MAGNETIC SURGICAL SLED WITH VARIABLE ARM - A surgical device comprises an ex vivo magnet and an in vivo sled magnetically attracted to the ex vivo magnet. The sled can be positioned and anchored within a patient by moving the ex vivo magnet. The sled defines a longitudinal axis. An arm extends from the sled. The arm being moveable relative the sled between a retracted position and an extended position. The arm comprises an end effector. A longitudinally oriented screw operatively is connected to the sled and arm such that rotation of the screw moves the arm between the retracted and extended positions. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087265 | LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT WITH ATTACHABLE END EFFECTOR - A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising jaws that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087266 | LOADER FOR EXCHANGING END EFFECTORS IN VIVO - A surgical device for use in combination with a percutaneous elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an attachment mechanism. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the attachment mechanism of the percutaneous elongate shaft. A percutaneous elongate loader comprises an articulating distal end. The distal end comprises a tube with an opening at the distal tip, the tube being dimensioned to receive the surgical end effector. The distal end further comprises an engagement feature capable of frictionally holding the surgical end effector in the tube during in vivo attachment to and in vivo detachment from the percutaneous elongate shaft. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087267 | METHOD FOR EXCHANGING END EFFECTORS IN VIVO - A laparoscopic surgical method comprises obtaining a first instrument comprising an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a first handle. The distal end of the first instrument is passed through a percutaneous incision. A surgical end effector is obtained having a distal end with operable jaws and a proximal end selectively attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the first instrument. A second instrument is obtained comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected to a second handle. The surgical end effector is loaded ex vivo on the distal end of the second instrument. The distal end of the second instrument with the loaded surgical end effector is passed through a second incision spaced from the percutaneous incision. The proximal end of the surgical end effector is attached in vivo to the distal end of the first instrument. Tissue is manipulated by actuating the handle of the first instrument to operate the jaws of the surgical end effector. | 04-14-2011 |
20110124964 | METHODS FOR CLOSING A GASTROTOMY - A surgical instrument for forming a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise a hollow tip for attachment to a distal end of a tubular member such as an endoscope. In other embodiments, the hollow tip is integrally formed on the distal end of the endoscope. The hollow tip is configured such that when it is brought into contact with the inner layer of tissue in the stomach, the tissue is caused to stretch. A hole-forming device may be passed through the hollow tip to pierce through the stretched inner layer and adjacent outer layers of tissue to form a passageway therethrough for permitting surgical procedures to be performed therethrough. After the surgical procedures are performed through the passageway, the hollow tip is removed from contact with the inner layer of tissue to permit the inner layer of tissue to relax and to cause the holes formed through the inner layer and outer layers of tissue to be offset from each other. | 05-26-2011 |
20110276041 | MANUALLY ARTICULATING DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device. | 11-10-2011 |
20110295151 | Enteroendocrine Manipulation for Metabolic Effect - L-cells may be introduced in the gastrointestinal tract. L-cells are used in the digestive process to produce a more efficient and lasting means of regulating feelings of satiation in a patient. Desired metabolic effects may be achieved by manipulating L-cells via delivery sites, frequency of delivery, or type of biological substance delivered. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295337 | Systems and Methods For Regulating Metabolic Hormone Producing Tissue - A method for regulating hormone production comprises placing at least one electrode in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and recording an electrical signal during a preselected event produced by the gastrointestinal tract. The method further involves the steps of storing the electrical signal, and playing back the electrical signal by activating the electrode during the absence of the preselected event. | 12-01-2011 |
20120078290 | LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT WITH ATTACHABLE END EFFECTOR - A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078291 | LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT WITH ATTACHABLE END EFFECTOR - A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector. | 03-29-2012 |
20120165793 | Pill Catchers - Devices and related methods are provided for the controlled delivery of a therapeutic to a targeted location within a body. More particularly, methods and devices are provided for controlling the rate of passage of an orally administered pill through a body, as well as for controlling the delivery of a therapeutic within the pill at a specific location within the body. Various types of devices, generally referred to herein as “catchers,” are provided that can actively catch a pill as it passes through a body. The catcher can hold the pill at a specific location within the body until a predetermined event occurs, such as partial or complete administration of a therapeutic within the pill. The catcher can then release the pill upon command and/or upon the occurrence of the predetermined event to allow the pill to pass out of the body. In other embodiments, various types of pills are provided that can actively engage a catcher and remain engaged with the catcher until a predetermined event occurs. | 06-28-2012 |
20120259325 | Laparoscopic Instrument with Attachable Energy End Effector - A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end. An arm medially deflectable and comprises a mating feature. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arm. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arm between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arm and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arm. An energy based surgical end effector is selectively attachable and detachable to the mating feature of the arm. The end effector may include a torque arm to engage the elongate shaft. | 10-11-2012 |
20130085341 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANIPULATING TISSUE IN VIVO - Methods and devices are provided for manipulating tissue in a body cavity, i.e., in vivo. In general, the methods and devices allow an end effector to engage tissue, be detached from a shaft used to control the end effector to engage the tissue, and then be moved to another location in the body cavity by a separate component, such as an external control unit. In some embodiments the end effector can include one or more deployable hooks that allow the end effector to remain at a surgical site independent of any shafts or external control units. Still further, in other embodiments the end effector can include a transverse bore to allow a second shaft to connect to the end effector to manipulate the tissue. Additional exemplary devices, kits, and methods related to manipulating tissue in vivo are also provided. | 04-04-2013 |
20130158348 | INTRODUCER FOR AN INTERNAL MAGNETIC CAMERA - An introducer for an internal magnetic camera is provided. The introducer may be arranged to enable the camera to be placed inside of a body cavity through an otomy or incision and then oriented next to the tissue of the body cavity opposite an External Control Unit (“ECU”) outside of the body cavity. The camera may be retained in the introducer by a magnet or a magnetic material, by a selectively engageable retainer, or by covering the camera within a cavity. The camera may be retained in the introducer by a latch. The camera may include a keyed surface that only can align with a matching keyed surface on the retainer in a single orientation. The introducer may include a spring to eject the camera from the introducer when the retainer is disengaged. | 06-20-2013 |
20130217970 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING THE LENS OF AN ENDOSCOPE - An apparatus for cleaning a lens, or one or more lenses, of an endoscopic camera while the endoscope is deployed in a patient during a medical procedure, such as a minimally invasive procedure, or a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a conduit having a fluid delivery port, an alignment system, and a flexible supply tube to fluidly connect the conduit to one or both of a source of a fluid and a suction device. | 08-22-2013 |
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 |
20150048141 | ENDOLUMINAL STAPLER WITH ROTATING WHEEL CAM FOR MULTI-STAPLE FIRING - A surgical stapler has a body, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector has a stapling head assembly, an anvil, and a vacuum port. The vacuum port is operable to draw tissue between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The anvil is operable to move toward and away from the stapling head assembly to thereby capture the tissue drawn between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a plurality of wheel assemblies and staple cartridges. At least one wheel assembly is operable to rotate to thereby move the anvil toward and away from the body. The remaining wheel assemblies are operable to rotate to thereby drive staples through the captured tissue. The body includes user input features operable to drive the wheel assemblies. | 02-19-2015 |