Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100264193 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a closure tube configured to at least partially surround the anvil and the staple cartridge channel to hold the anvil in a closed position. The closure tube can extend around the anvil a greater distance than the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and, in addition, an articulation joint pivotably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The articulation joint can further comprise a floating guide member which can guidably support a knife bar extending into the end effector and, at the same time, move independently of the end effector and the shaft to provide such support. | 10-21-2010 |
20100264194 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled. | 10-21-2010 |
20110251612 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENTS WITH CAM-ACTUATED JAWS - Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members. | 10-13-2011 |
20110282339 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS THEREFOR - Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue. | 11-17-2011 |
20110306963 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING AN ELECTRODE - An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein at least one of the electrodes can comprise a conductive material positioned within a non-conductive, or high-resistance, material. In use, current flowing through the conductive material can heat the conductive material and cause it to evaporate and leave behind the non-conductive material. In such circumstances, the current flowing through the electrode may cease or may be substantially reduced. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306965 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING MULTIPLE POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT ELECTRODES - An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein one or both of the first and second jaws can include a plurality of electrodes each comprised of a positive temperature coefficient material having a different switching temperature. The electrical resistances of the electrodes can increase significantly once the temperature of the electrodes exceed their switching temperatures and, owing to the increased electrical resistance, the flow of current through the electrodes can be reduced and/or prevented. In various circumstances, the different switching temperatures of the electrodes can allow some of the electrodes to switch off before the other electrodes. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306966 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING A PLURALITY OF ELECTRODES - An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. The second jaw can comprise a first electrode and a second electrode while the first jaw can comprise an opposing electrode positioned opposite the first electrode and the second electrode when the jaws are in their closed position. The first and second electrodes can be independently and/or sequentially operated in order to conduct current between the first and second electrodes and opposing electrode in order to draw the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws toward the center of the first and second jaws and weld the tissue. In various other embodiments, other firing sequences of the electrodes are contemplated. During and/or after such tissue welding processes, a cutting member can be advanced to cut the tissue. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306968 | HEAT MANAGEMENT CONFIGURATIONS FOR CONTROLLING HEAT DISSIPATION FROM ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise at least one energy delivery surface and heat dissipation means for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the end effector. For example, in at least one embodiment, the end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The cutting member may comprise a cutting surface and a body, which may define a cavity and at least one opening communicating with the cavity. A fluid may be moved through the cavity to and/or from the opening(s). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument's end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one heat pipe. Various other heat dissipation means are also disclosed. | 12-15-2011 |
20120010616 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector. | 01-12-2012 |
20120012638 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ELECTRODES - An end-effector assembly configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end-effector assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw comprising a staple cavity. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other jaw. The end-effector assembly comprises a staple removably positioned within the staple cavity and an electrically-conductive driver configured to move the staple between a first stored position in which the staple is at least partially positioned within the staple cavity and a second position in which the staple is at least partially deployed from the staple cavity into tissue positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple comprises an electrode. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022519 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH CONTROLLED ENERGY DELIVERY - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. A control unit is configured to regulate the amount of energy delivered to the tissue through the monitoring of the current flowing through the tissue and the rate of change of the current flowing through the tissue. Through the monitoring of the current, the impedance of the tissue and the rate of change of impedance of the tissue may be determined to monitor the state of the captured tissue and reduce excess tissue heating. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022525 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SEPARATE CLOSURE AND CUTTING MEMBERS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise a pair of jaws, a closure beam, and a cutting member. The closure beam and the cutting member may be releasably coupled together by an interlocking member such that movement of the cutting member may cause the closure beam to also move relative to the jaws and cause the jaws to close and grip tissue, for example. The interlocking member may then unlock, allowing the cutting member to move through the gripped tissue and relative to the closure beam. Additionally, the cutting member and closure beam may be operated by a single trigger, which may be configured to provide haptic feedback to a user at various stages. Further, the jaws may be electrically energized to deliver energy and/or seal the gripped tissue. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022526 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke is regulated by at least one biasing member, such as a spring, for example. | 01-26-2012 |
20120078243 | CONTROL FEATURES FOR ARTICULATING SURGICAL DEVICE - An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a rotary knob, a pivoting knob, or a pivoting fin, among other things. An electrical coupling may contact a conductive moving member along at least two axes. A resiliently biased lever may assist a trigger in returning from an actuated position to a home position. | 03-29-2012 |
20120101488 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MAGNETIC CLAMPING FORCE - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, the end effector comprising first and second opposing jaw members, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members are moveable such that the first and second jaw members are transitionable between open and closed positions. The first jaw member may comprise a permanent magnet. The second jaw member may also comprise a magnet (e.g., permanent or soft). The magnetic motive force between the magnets of the first and second jaw members may attract each other to thereby reduce the external force required to transition the first and second jaw members to the closed position. In addition, the magnets may be configured to repeal each other to thereby aid in opening the jaw members. | 04-26-2012 |
20130075447 | ADJUNCT THERAPY DEVICE FOR APPLYING HEMOSTATIC AGENT - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further receives a buttress material stored in one or both of the anvil or cartridge. The material is releasable onto severed tissue via a firing bar severing the buttress material in response to the longitudinal closing motion. | 03-28-2013 |
20130168435 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a staple cartridge and a datum portion positioned proximal to the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and an articulation joint configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. In addition, the surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridge and a drive assembly including a drive member configured to move the firing member. The drive assembly may also include a stop configured to engage the datum portion to limit the movement of the drive member after the plurality of staples are fired. | 07-04-2013 |
20130296843 | ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a first arm, a second arm, a firing beam, a lockout feature, and a scissor grip portion. The first and second arms include first and second jaws, respectively. The jaws each include a respective electrode operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue. The firing beam is operable to translate distally through the first and second jaws to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature is operable to selectively prevent translation of the firing beam. The scissor grip portion is operable to pivot the first arm toward the second arm. The apparatus may include a disposable cartridge assembly removably coupled with a reusable grip assembly. The cartridge assembly may include the first and second jaws. A sliding actuator may be used to translate a firing beam. A lockout feature may selectively restrict translation of the sliding actuator. | 11-07-2013 |
20140005703 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATING SHAFTS | 01-02-2014 |
20140005705 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATING SHAFTS | 01-02-2014 |
20140148806 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS THEREFOR - An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration. | 05-29-2014 |
20140194874 | ELECTROSURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH INDEPENDENT CLOSURE FEATURE AND BLADE - An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, and outer beam, and an inner beam. The body comprises an actuator. The end effector is in communication with the body and has a first jaw and a second jaw. The outer beam is able to advance within the end effector such that the outer beam closes the second jaw toward the first jaw. The advancement of the outer beam is controlled mainly by the actuator. The inner beam is also able to advance within the end effector such that the inner beam transects tissue. The actuator is operable to control the advancement of the inner beam in at least two stages. The actuator advances the inner beam and the outer beam together in a first state. The actuator advances the inner beam while the outer beam remains stationary in a second stage. | 07-10-2014 |
20140214029 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BLADE COMPLIANT ALONG VERTICAL CUTTING EDGE PLANE - An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, an end effector, and a firing beam. The shaft extends distally from the body. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, with the first jaw being pivotable toward the second jaw. The firing beam is operable to translate relative to the end effector to thereby drive the first jaw toward the second jaw. The firing beam includes a deformable portion operable to deform in response to a stress imposed by the end effector on the firing beam as the jaws clamp on dense or thick tissue. The deformable portion is defined in part by a cutout. A compliance restriction feature restricts deformation in the firing beam. A resilient member biases the firing beam to a non-deformed configuration. | 07-31-2014 |
20140276732 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH RESTRICTED TRIGGER - An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The end effector includes a first jaw pivotable relative to a second jaw to a closed position. The first actuator is movable from a first position to a second position to pivot the first jaw to the closed position. The first actuator engages the second actuator in the second position to selectively provide RF energy to the end effector. | 09-18-2014 |
20140330271 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SEPARATE CLOSURE AND CUTTING MEMBERS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise a pair of jaws, a closure beam, and a cutting member. The closure beam and the cutting member may be releasably coupled together by an interlocking member such that movement of the cutting member may cause the closure beam to also move relative to the jaws and cause the jaws to close and grip tissue, for example. The interlocking member may then unlock, allowing the cutting member to move through the gripped tissue and relative to the closure beam. Additionally, the cutting member and closure beam may be operated by a single trigger, which may be configured to provide haptic feedback to a user at various stages. Further, the jaws may be electrically energized to deliver energy and/or seal the gripped tissue. | 11-06-2014 |
20140343550 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENTS WITH CAM-ACTUATED JAWS - Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members. | 11-20-2014 |