Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080223903 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 09-18-2008 |
20080223904 | POWERED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapler which includes a tool assembly having a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for deforming a plurality of surgical fasteners through and fastening tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapler includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to said housing and selectively movable relative to said fixed handle from a first position to a second position to actuate the clamping of tissue. The stapler further includes a drive assembly including a motor, a power source and a coupling member. The motor engages the coupling member, wherein movement of the movable handle to the second position activates the motor, which advances a firing shaft and forces a firing piston into said tool assembly to deform the surgical fasteners through and fasten tissue. | 09-18-2008 |
20080230581 | Tilt anvil assembly - A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod and a head assembly pivotally mounted to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movable about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position accommodating pivotal movement of the head assembly. A pivotal latch assembly is also provided to prevent movement of the backup member from its second position to its first position. | 09-25-2008 |
20080245842 | Surgical stapling apparatus with powered retraction - A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors. | 10-09-2008 |
20080277449 | POWERED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle. | 11-13-2008 |
20080314960 | Detachable buttress material retention systems for use with a surgical stapling device - Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue. | 12-25-2008 |
20090001129 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 01-01-2009 |
20090057370 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus - A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device. | 03-05-2009 |
20090101694 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING TOOL ASSEMBLY - A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. | 04-23-2009 |
20090114700 | Surgical Instrument with Articulating Tool Assembly - A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. | 05-07-2009 |
20090126744 | Natural Orifice Bariatric Procedure And Apparatus For Use Therewith - A method of performing a bariatric procedure through a natural body orifice is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a surgical instrument, comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion. The method also comprises the steps of inserting the surgical instrument through a natural body orifice of a patient such that the end effector is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach, and using the surgical instrument to perform a surgical task. | 05-21-2009 |
20090255976 | VARIABLE COMPRESSION SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE - A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface including a plurality of fastener retention slots arranged in a plurality of rows including at least an inner row and an outer row, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the inner and outer rows and configured such that a plurality of fasteners disposed in the inner row have a first diameter that is less than a second diameter of a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the outer row, and an anvil having an inner row and an outer row of depressions for forming the fasteners. A plurality of pushers are operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners, the pushers configured to eject an associated surgical fastener towards the respective depression in the anvil such that upon formation of a corresponding surgical fastener, the surgical fasteners ejected from the inner row provide a greater compressive force to tissue than the surgical fasteners ejected from the outer row. | 10-15-2009 |
20090266868 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. | 10-29-2009 |
20090277946 | Variable Compression Surgical Fastener Cartridge - A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is operatively disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. Each pusher is configured for ejecting an associated surgical fastener towards a depression in an anvil. An actuation sled is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of cam wedges. The plurality of cam wedges configured to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers such that a surgical fastener that is ejected closer to a cut line produces a greater compression force to stapled tissue than a surgical fastener ejected further from the cut line. | 11-12-2009 |
20100001036 | RETRACTION MECHANISM WITH CLUTCH-LESS DRIVE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL APPARATUS - A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction. | 01-07-2010 |
20100012702 | SURGICAL RETRACTION MECHANISM - A retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. The retraction mechanism includes a motor, a first speed reducing mechanism, a clutch mechanism incorporating a second speed reducing mechanism, and a shaft. The first speed reducing mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The second speed reducing mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. In addition, the clutch mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first speed reducing mechanism. The shaft is configured to rotate upon activation of the motor the second speed reducing mechanism is in the locked state. The rotation of the shaft retracts a firing drive of the hand held surgical apparatus. | 01-21-2010 |
20100089972 | POWERED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094289 | Endoscopic Vessel Sealer and Divider Having a Flexible Articulating Shaft - An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft. | 04-15-2010 |
20100152664 | TROCAR ENTRY INCORPORATING AN AIRBAG - A safety trocar assembly incorporating an airbag is provided to prevent overpenetration of the safety trocar assembly through an abdominal wall and into a body cavity. The safety trocar assembly includes an airbag cannula having an expandable airbag proximal of the distal end of the cannula. A sensing device is located at a distal end of the cannula for detecting changes in conditions at the distal end of the cannula. A trigger mechanism is provided on the cannula and operates to inflate the airbag in response to a change in condition detected by the sensing device. | 06-17-2010 |
20100163596 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 07-01-2010 |
20100179540 | Endoscopic Vessel Sealer and Divider Having a Flexible Articulating Shaft - An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft. | 07-15-2010 |
20100200636 | POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SECONDARY CIRCUIT BOARD - A powered surgical apparatus, which is configured to engage tissue includes a handle assembly having proximal and distal portions, a movable portion operatively connected to the distal portion of the handle assembly, a tool assembly operatively coupled to the movable portion, a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system operatively associated with the power source. The movable portion is movable with respect to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is adapted to engage tissue. The transmission system is configured to transmit electrical power or signals between the handle assembly and the movable portion. | 08-12-2010 |
20100200639 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. | 08-12-2010 |
20100217279 | Marking Articulating Direction For Surgical Instrument - A surgical apparatus for guiding the movement of a surgical tool in relation to the surrounding anatomy of a patient includes a surgical tool having an articulation member. The apparatus also has an image capturing device, a monitor, a control member, and at least one marker on the surgical tool for determining an orientation and attitude of the surgical tool in relation to the visual image on the monitor. The image capturing device takes visual images of the articulating member. The monitor displays the visual images taken by the image capturing device. The control member operates and guides movement of the articulating member. The marker can be colors, symbols, letters, number, or in any combination thereof. An endoscope and a display may also be included. | 08-26-2010 |
20100264192 | Surgical Apparatus for Applying Tissue Fasteners - A surgical apparatus for applying tissue fasteners is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body that extends from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted on the end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly for receiving the tissue fasteners and a housing assembly for receiving a looped member. The tool assembly is configured to advance the tissue fasteners into the looped member to secure tissue between the fasteners and the looped member. | 10-21-2010 |
20100308099 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical apparatus having an articulating tool assembly is described. The articulation mechanism includes a rotatable shaft which is fixedly secured to a disk defining a spiral groove or slot. A linearly movable translation member is provided and includes a pin which is received within the spiral groove such that rotation of the disk effects linear translation of the translation member. The configuration of the spiral groove can be selected to provide any desired ratio of angular rotation of the disk to linear advancement of the translation member. As such, the configuration of the spiral slot can be selected to provide a uniform rate of articulation of the tool assembly of the surgical apparatus or a variable rate of articulation. | 12-09-2010 |
20100320253 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING TOOL ASSEMBLY - A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. | 12-23-2010 |
20110009704 | Apparatus and Method for Transvaginal Surgery - An access port for performing surgery transvaginally is provided. The access port includes an elongated flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a central portion therebetween, and a retention mechanism formed on the distal end of the elongated member. The retention mechanism includes a first configuration for inserting the distal end of the elongated member within an opening and a second configuration for selectively securing the elongated member within an opening. Also provided is a method of performing a transvaginal surgery. The method includes providing an access port including a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the access port within the vagina of a patient, forming an incision in the wall of the vagina into the abdomen of the patient, inserting a distal end of the access port into the vagina and through the incision, and activating the retention mechanism to secure the distal end of the access port within the abdominal cavity of the patient. | 01-13-2011 |
20110009863 | Shaft Constructions for Medical Devices with an Articulating Tip - An endoscopic surgical instrument for sealing tissue includes an end effector having a pair of jaw members adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. At least one jaw member is movable relative to the other between an open configuration and a closed configuration for grasping tissue. A handle is movable to induce motion in the end effector between the open and closed configurations. An elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is coupled between the end effector and the handle. The shaft includes a plurality of links arranged such that neighboring links engage one another across a pair of edges to maintain the end effector in an aligned configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each of the edges is spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis. The neighboring links may pivot about the rotational edges to move the end effector to an articulated configuration. | 01-13-2011 |
20110017801 | INTERNAL BACKBONE STRUCTURAL CHASSIS FOR A SURGICAL DEVICE - A chassis for mounting a set of operating components of a power head of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The power head has a housing enabling access to an interior volume of the power head encompassed by the housing. The set of operating components have a proper configuration for alignment when mounted within the interior volume encompassed by the housing. The chassis is configured to provide the proper configuration for alignment of either an original or replacement set of operating components mounted on the chassis if the chassis and set of operating components are mounted within the interior volume of the housing. The chassis may be formed from metal and the housing formed from a polymer. The chassis may be configured to ground at least one electrical component. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022032 | BATTERY EJECTION DESIGN FOR A SURGICAL DEVICE - A power head for a surgical apparatus is disclosed having at least one battery-retaining structure defining a battery ejection path. The battery-retaining structure is configured to receive at least one battery. The power head further includes at least one sealing member extending around the one or more battery-retaining structures and configured to enable ejection of at least one battery from the structure along the battery ejection path. The power head may include a handle assembly that includes the battery-retaining structure. The sealing member extends around the structure such that the sealing member is configured to enable ejection of at least one battery from the battery-retaining structure by one hand of a user. The power head may include at least one energy storage mechanism that enables ejection by one hand of a user of at least one battery. | 01-27-2011 |
20110024480 | Surgical Instrument with Articulating Tool Assembly - A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob for rotating an interface member, the articulation link having a slit at a proximal end operatively connected to the interface member, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the first and second articulation links thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. | 02-03-2011 |
20110036888 | TISSUE FASTENING SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A surgical fastening device includes a handle assembly having a stationary handle and a movable handle and an elongated member extending distally from the handle portion. The elongated member includes a distal end portion. The device also includes a pair of firing rods operably coupled with the movable handle and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A tool assembly has a plurality of helical fasteners supported therein and includes a pair of opposing jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable in relation to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The jaw members are configured to form a pair of radial channels when the jaw members are in the approximated position. The firing rods are configured to advance helical fasteners through at least one radial channel and into tissue upon movement from the proximal position to the distal position. | 02-17-2011 |
20110036892 | ONE HANDED STAPLER - The present disclosure is directed to a surgical instrument, which includes a handle assembly and an elongate member having two jaw members. The second jaw member is movable in relation to the first jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member is supported by the elongate body and contains a plurality of fasteners. The elongate member extends distally from the handle assembly and defines both a longitudinal axis and a distal portion. A switch is placed about the handle assembly to allow the handle assembly to operate in multiple modes. | 02-17-2011 |
20110036895 | DETACHABLE BUTTRESS MATERIAL RETENTION SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue. | 02-17-2011 |
20110062211 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-CONTACT ELECTRONIC ARTICULATION SENSING - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly. | 03-17-2011 |
20110084114 | Pair of Double Staple Pusher in Triple Row Stapler - A staple cartridge includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and configured to retain staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. A staple pusher includes pusher plates that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples within the outer rows of at least three rows of retention slots. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087242 | SUTURE CLIP APPLIER - Suture clip appliers, suture clips and methods of their use for securing sutures during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure are provided, wherein the method includes the steps of providing a suture clip applier having a working tip configured to retain and fire a suture clip; providing a suture clip having a biased closed configuration; loading the suture clip into the working tip of the clip applier; translating the suture clip distally relative to the working tip to a first position wherein the suture clip is splayed open; inserting a suture into the opened suture clip; and translating the suture clip distally relative to the working tip such that the suture clip is ejected from the working tip and biased to the closed configuration to close on and to retain the suture. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087259 | Tissue Stop For Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove. | 04-14-2011 |
20110163148 | Surgical Stapling Device - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. | 07-07-2011 |
20110218484 | INTERNALLY PRESSURIZED MEDICAL DEVICES - There are provided pressurized surgical instruments for use in pressurized surgical environments. The pressurized surgical instruments include pressurizing systems for maintaining a neutral or positive pressure flow within the surgical instrument during use. The pressurizing systems include a primary sensor for detecting the pressure of the surgical environment and a pressurizing mechanism for balancing the pressure of the surgical instrument with the surgical environment. The pressurizing mechanism includes a controller to receive and compare the signal sent from the primary sensor to the ambient or internal instrument pressure and a pressure delivery system to provide positive pressure to the interior of the surgical instrument in response to a signal received from the controller. The sources of pressure for the pressure delivery systems may be external or self contained within the surgical instrument. | 09-08-2011 |
20110248064 | Surgical Fastener Applying Apparatus - A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a plurality of surgical fasteners operatively disposed therein. An actuation mechanism is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of pushers operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of pivotably connected link assemblies. Each link assembly being pivotably engaged with a corresponding bottom surface associated with each the pushers and a corresponding top surface associated with an internal channel housing and operably coupled to one another. The actuation mechanism includes an activation structure configured to move each of the link assemblies and sequentially cause each of the link assemblies to move through a succession of motions within the cartridge body, such that the link assemblies cause the corresponding pusher to contact and, subsequently, sequentially eject the associated surgical fastener towards the depression in the anvil. | 10-13-2011 |
20110284611 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 11-24-2011 |
20110303735 | Powered Surgical Stapling Device - A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle. | 12-15-2011 |
20110319819 | TROCAR ENTRY INCORPORATING AN AIRBAG - A safety trocar assembly incorporating an airbag is provided to prevent overpenetration of the safety trocar assembly through an abdominal wall and into a body cavity. The safety trocar assembly includes an airbag cannula having an expandable airbag proximal of the distal end of the cannula. A sensing device is located at a distal end of the cannula for detecting changes in conditions at the distal end of the cannula. A trigger mechanism is provided on the cannula and operates to inflate the airbag in response to a change in condition detected by the sensing device. | 12-29-2011 |
20120012639 | Surgical Stapling Device - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. | 01-19-2012 |
20120024933 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus With Powered Retraction - A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors. | 02-02-2012 |
20120055972 | SURGICAL RETRACTION MECHANISM - A retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. The retraction mechanism includes a motor, a first speed reducing mechanism, a clutch mechanism incorporating a second speed reducing mechanism, and a shaft. The first speed reducing mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The second speed reducing mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. In addition, the clutch mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first speed reducing mechanism. The shaft is configured to rotate upon activation of the motor the second speed reducing mechanism is in the locked state. The rotation of the shaft retracts a firing drive of the hand held surgical apparatus. | 03-08-2012 |
20120074197 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 03-29-2012 |
20120080473 | Tissue Stop for Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member. | 04-05-2012 |
20120091182 | Surgical Instrument with Articulating Tool Assembly - A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly. | 04-19-2012 |
20120111921 | Surgical Stapling Device - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116449 | MultiFilament Barbed Suture - A surgical suture includes a plurality of intertwined unbarbed filaments defining a longitudinal axis and a barbed filament including an elongate body and a plurality of barbs disposed along a length thereof. The plurality of barbs extends radially outward from a surface of the elongate body, wherein the barbed filament at least partially intertwines with the plurality of unbarbed filaments. | 05-10-2012 |
20120138659 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus Having Articulation Mechanism - An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical apparatus having an articulating tool assembly is described. The articulation mechanism includes a rotatable shaft which is fixedly secured to a disk defining a spiral groove or slot. A linearly movable translation member is provided and includes a pin which is received within the spiral groove such that rotation of the disk effects linear translation of the translation member. The configuration of the spiral groove can be selected to provide any desired ratio of angular rotation of the disk to linear advancement of the translation member. As such, the configuration of the spiral slot can be selected to provide a uniform rate of articulation of the tool assembly of the surgical apparatus or a variable rate of articulation. | 06-07-2012 |
20120168485 | Surgical Fastener-Applying Apparatuses With Sequential Firing - A surgical fastening instrument is provided. The surgical fastening instrument includes a handle portion and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis along a length thereof. The surgical fastening instrument also includes an end effector assembly that includes an anvil and a cartridge supported adjacent a distal end of the elongate portion. Each of the anvil and the cartridge includes a tissue contacting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. One or more independently movable pushers is configured to support one or more surgical fasteners. A thrust bar is operatively coupled to the elongate portion, wherein the thrust bar is movable over a predetermined stroke to effect sequential ejection of at least two surgical fasteners of the plurality of surgical fasteners from the cartridge. | 07-05-2012 |
20120241494 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED RETRACTION - A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors. | 09-27-2012 |
20120248170 | Tissue Stop for Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253329 | HAND HELD SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE - Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft. | 10-04-2012 |
20120271234 | TROCAR ENTRY INCORPORATING AN AIRBAG - A safety trocar assembly incorporating an airbag is provided to prevent overpenetration of the safety trocar assembly through an abdominal wall and into a body cavity. The safety trocar assembly includes an airbag cannula having an expandable airbag proximal of the distal end of the cannula. A sensing device is located at a distal end of the cannula for detecting changes in conditions at the distal end of the cannula. A trigger mechanism is provided on the cannula and operates to inflate the airbag in response to a change in condition detected by the sensing device. | 10-25-2012 |
20120276232 | Apparatus and Method of Forming Barbs on a Suture - A system for forming one or more barbs on a length of suture is provided. The system includes a suture nest and a punch apparatus. The suture nest defines a longitudinal passage configured for receipt of a length of suture. The suture nest includes at least one recess formed along the longitudinal passage and at least one opening corresponding to the at least one recess. The punch apparatus includes at least one punch member corresponding to the at least one opening in the suture nest. The at least one punch member is configured to be selectively received within the at least one opening in the suture nest. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277656 | Natural Orifice Bariatric Procedure and Apparatus for Use Therewith - A method of performing a bariatric procedure through a natural body orifice is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a surgical instrument, comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion. The method also comprises the steps of inserting the surgical instrument through a natural body orifice of a patient such that the end effector is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach, and using the surgical instrument to perform a surgical task. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277793 | Apparatus and Method of Forming Barbs on a Suture - A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest. | 11-01-2012 |
20120298718 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link, A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298720 | POWERED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. | 11-29-2012 |
20120304438 | Barbed Sutures - A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310278 | Barbed Sutures - A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb. | 12-06-2012 |
20130012958 | Surgical Device with Articulation and Wrist Rotation - A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, an end effector, a rotation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The rotation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects rotation of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects movement of the end effector from a first position where the first longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is displaced from the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism comprises a first articulation control disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, a first cable and a second cable. Actuation of the first articulation control in a first direction causes the first cable to move distally and causes the second cable to move proximally. | 01-10-2013 |
20130037598 | Surgical Apparatus for Applying Tissue Fasteners - A surgical apparatus for applying tissue fasteners is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body that extends from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted on the end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly for receiving the tissue fasteners and a housing assembly for receiving a looped member. The tool assembly is configured to advance the tissue fasteners into the looped member to secure tissue between the fasteners and the looped member. | 02-14-2013 |
20130123783 | SURGICAL DEVICE WITH POWERED ARTICULATION WRIST ROTATION - A surgical instrument for treating tissue, the instrument including a housing and a shaft with an articulating portion and an end effector. The surgical instrument including a first casing connected to and rotatable with the proximal end of said shaft with an internal frame housed within the first casing and a plurality of posts supported by the internal frame and connected on their distal ends to at least one drive wire, and connected on their proximal ends to a threaded shaft; and a second casing connected to the first casing and rotatable therewith, said second casing housing the threaded shafts. The surgical instrument includes a first electric motor driving a first gear interfacing with the threaded shafts such that a first pair of the plurality of threaded shafts rotate in the same direction and cause the articulating portion to articulate in a first plane. | 05-16-2013 |
20130178869 | Pneumatic System for Deployment of Articulating Arms for an Access Port - A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to articulate instruments inserted therein. The surgical apparatus includes an anchor member configured to form a sealing relation with a tissue, a balloon member and a plurality of articulating arms extending distally from the anchor member. Inflating and/or deflating the balloon member effectuate articulation of the articulating arms. | 07-11-2013 |
20130200130 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. | 08-08-2013 |
20130225931 | SURGICAL INTRODUCER AND ACCESS PORT ASSEMBLY - A surgical apparatus for permitting access to tissue includes an elongated introducer and a surgical port. The introducer includes an outer wall segment defining a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal port passage extending therethrough and a longitudinal slot in communication with the port passage. The introducer is dimensioned for at least partial introduction within an opening in tissue. The surgical port includes a port body mounted to the introducer with one of its leading and trailing ends disposed within the port passage and with the intermediate segment extending through the longitudinal slot and the other of the leading and trailing end external of the elongated introducer. The port body is dimensioned to be advanced within the port passage for deployment through the opening in the tissue and is adapted to transition from a compressed state to a released state. | 08-29-2013 |
20130248575 | POWERED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253535 | TISSUE FASTENING SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A surgical fastening device includes a handle assembly having a stationary handle and a movable handle and an elongated member extending distally from the handle portion. The elongated member includes a distal end portion. The device also includes a pair of firing rods operably coupled with the movable handle and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A tool assembly has a plurality of helical fasteners supported therein and includes a pair of opposing jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable in relation to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The jaw members are configured to form a pair of radial channels when the jaw members are in the approximated position. The firing rods are configured to advance helical fasteners through at least one radial channel and into tissue upon movement from the proximal position to the distal position. | 09-26-2013 |
20130270321 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED ARTICULATION - The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270323 | VARIABLE COMPRESSION SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE - A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is operatively disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. Each pusher is configured for ejecting an associated surgical fastener towards a depression in an anvil. An actuation sled is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of cam wedges. The plurality of cam wedges configured to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers such that a surgical fastener that is ejected closer to a cut line produces a greater compression force to stapled tissue than a surgical fastener ejected further from the cut line. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274741 | Endoscopic Vessel Sealer and Divider Having a Flexible Articulating Shaft - An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft. | 10-17-2013 |
20130277409 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH POWERED RETRACTION - A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors. | 10-24-2013 |
20130299550 | TISSUE STOP FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299556 | PAIR OF DOUBLE STAPLE PUSHER IN TRIPLE ROW STAPLER - A staple cartridge includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and configured to retain staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. A staple pusher includes pusher plates that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples within the outer rows of at least three rows of retention slots. | 11-14-2013 |
20140012236 | SURGICAL ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS - Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the adapter assembly includes an adapter knob housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device, the adapter knob housing defining a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and a ring gear formed in an inner surface of the lumen of the adapter knob housing, the ring gear defining an internal array of gear teeth which are engaged with a spur gear of a rotatable drive shaft. The adapter knob housing may be a unitary member and may be formed of plastic. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012237 | SURGICAL ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS - An adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly including a drive shaft; a drive coupling nut threadably connected to a distal end portion of the drive shaft; and an axially translatable drive bar connected to the drive coupling nut, wherein rotation of the drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive bar. The drive coupling nut engages 29 teeth of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft. The drive coupling nut is manufactured from unreinforced PEEK thermoplastic polymer. | 01-09-2014 |
20140021241 | SURGICAL FASTENER-APPLYING APPARATUSES WITH SEQUENTIAL FIRING - A surgical fastening instrument is provided. The surgical fastening instrument includes a handle portion and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis along a length thereof. The surgical fastening instrument also includes an end effector assembly that includes an anvil and a cartridge supported adjacent a distal end of the elongate portion. Each of the anvil and the cartridge includes a tissue contacting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. One or more independently movable pushers is configured to support one or more surgical fasteners. A thrust bar is operatively coupled to the elongate portion, wherein the thrust bar is movable over a predetermined stroke to effect sequential ejection of at least two surgical fasteners of the plurality of surgical fasteners from the cartridge. | 01-23-2014 |
20140027490 | DETACHABLE BUTTRESS MATERIAL RETENTION SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue. | 01-30-2014 |
20140027491 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING A LOCKING ASSEMBLY - A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and a locking assembly is disclosed. The handle portion includes a movable handle. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The articulating tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and is movable from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position where the second longitudinal axis is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The locking assembly includes a member that is advanceable distally with respect to the body portion. The member engages the articulating tool assembly upon manipulation of the movable handle to move an anvil and a cartridge assembly in approximation with one another to help maintain the articulating tool assembly in its first position. | 01-30-2014 |
20140027494 | RETRACTION MECHANISM WITH CLUTCH-LESS DRIVE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL APPARATUS - A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction. | 01-30-2014 |
20140130326 | BARBED SUTURES - A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb. | 05-15-2014 |
20140171982 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING TISSUE PATCHES - A system for connecting mesh laproscopically is provided. The system includes a first patch, a second patch and connection means for joining the first and second patches. Each of the first and second patches includes a base and plurality of loops extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the base. The connection means is configured for maintaining at least a first loop of the first plurality of loops adjacent at least a first loop of the second plurality of loops. Also provided are various of methods for connecting a plurality of patches. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180286 | Pediatric Combination Surgical Device - A combination surgical device is provided and includes a dissection blade moveably mounted in a first jaw of the surgical device. The surgical device includes a second jaw movably mounted relative to the first jaw and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the blade out of the first jaw and a lever to open and close the first and second jaws. A lock member is provided to maintain the blade in an extended condition and a release lever is provided to disable the lock member. The surgical device additionally includes a safety or lock out mechanism which prevents the jaws from moving while the blade is in the extended condition. | 06-26-2014 |
20140194923 | POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A powered surgical apparatus, which is configured to engage tissue includes a handle assembly having proximal and distal portions, a movable portion operatively connected to the distal portion of the handle assembly, a tool assembly operatively coupled to the movable portion, a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system operatively associated with the power source. The movable portion is movable with respect to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is adapted to engage tissue. The transmission system is configured to transmit electrical power or signals between the handle assembly and the movable portion. | 07-10-2014 |
20140252063 | END EFFECTOR IDENTIFICATION BY MECHANICAL FEATURES - According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool assembly, the loading adapted to be coupled to the body portion. The instrument also includes a sensor tube movably positioned within the body portion, the sensor tube adapted to engage the loading unit and a load switch coupled to a microcontroller. The load switch is adapted to be actuated by the sensor tube when the sensor tube is engaged by the loading unit being inserted into the body portion. | 09-11-2014 |
20140263545 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263559 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263566 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263567 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263568 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263569 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303609 | Surgical Device for Pediatric Surgery - A surgical device is provided for use in pediatric surgery and includes a dissection blade moveably mounted in a sheath of the surgical device. The surgical device includes an electrical connection for supply cauterizing current to the blade. A handle assembly is provided and includes an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the blade out of the sheath and a lever to release the blade from the advancement mechanism. A lock member is provided to maintain the blade in an extended condition. | 10-09-2014 |
20140350530 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-CONTACT ELECTRONIC ARTICULATION SENSING - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly. | 11-27-2014 |
20140371537 | SURGICAL ACCESS ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ADHESIVE MEMBERS FOR SECURE ATTACHMENT TO SKIN SURFACES - A surgical access assembly is presented including an expandable sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first pair of wings and a second pair of wings outwardly extending away from the sleeve, the second pair of wings detachably connected to a distal end of the first pair of wings. The surgical access assembly also includes a cannula assembly having a cannula housing and a tubular member configured to be inserted through the expandable sleeve. The surgical access assembly further includes an adhesive member attached to an end point of each of the pair of second wings, the adhesive member of each of the pair of second wings facilitating attachment of the surgical access assembly to a skin surface. | 12-18-2014 |