Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080243106 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. For example, a surgeon can actuate an actuation mechanism on the proximal end of the shaft to mate one of the end effectors to the distal end of the shaft without assistance from other tools and devices. After use of the end effector, the end effector can be released and another end effector can be remotely attached to the distal end of the shaft. | 10-02-2008 |
20090131818 | Biopsy Device Tissue Sample Holder Rotation Control - A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A sensing system is configured to sense the rotational position of the manifold. A controller in communication with both the sensing system and the rotation mechanism is operable to control the rotation mechanism based at least in part on the position of the manifold as sensed by the sensing system. The sensing system may include a sensor in a fixed position and a rotating encoder wheel on a shaft that is used to rotate the manifold. | 05-21-2009 |
20090171378 | CONSTANT FORCE MECHANISMS FOR REGULATING RESTRICTION DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device coupled to a port with a fluid disposed therein, such that the restriction device is adapted to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, and a pressure adjustment unit in communication with the port and effective to maintain a substantially constant equilibrium pressure between the pressure adjustment unit and the restriction device. The pressure adjustment unit is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171379 | FLUID LOGIC FOR REGULATING RESTRICTION DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device configured to receive fluid and to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, at least one fluid reservoir, and a fluid logic system coupled between the restriction device and the at least one fluid reservoir. The fluid logic system is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon. | 07-02-2009 |
20090206131 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206133 | ARTICULATABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENTS - An articulatable disposable loading unit for attachment to a stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may include a staple cartridge that is supported in a carrier that has an anvil coupled thereto. An elongated flexible articulation member may be coupled between the carrier a housing portion to facilitate articulation of the carrier relative to the housing portion. The loading unit may further have an axial drive assembly constructed to move axially through the staple cartridge in response to a drive motion imparted thereto from a portion of the stapling apparatus. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206134 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a carrier that supports a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly that is movable coupled to the carrier. The various embodiments may further have an axial drive assembly that is configured to impart a closing motion to the anvil assembly and also supports a cutting blade thereon. The axial drive assembly is configured to receive firing motions and retraction motions from the surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments have an anvil release assembly that enables the anvil assembly to be released from a clamping orientation in the event that the cutting blade becomes jammed during operation. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206136 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206138 | CLOSURE SYSTEMS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator configured to be retracted relative to the distal end of the disposable loading unit and rotate an anvil between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can include a cam, where the cam can include an arcuate profile having an apex configured to be in contact with the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil can apply a clamping force to the soft tissue prior to the staples being deployed to prevent, or at least inhibit, soft tissue from flowing, or ‘milking’, out of the distal end of the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit having an anvil which can be moved between open, closed, and/or collapsed positions to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit through a trocar. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206140 | END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090318832 | Biopsy Devices with Universal Probe - A biopsy device comprises a probe that is configured to couple with a holster. The probe comprises a needle, a cutter, and a body portion. The needle is rotatable and translatable relative to the body portion. The holster has a locking feature that is configured to prevent the needle from rotating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The locking feature may also be configured to prevent the needle from translating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The same probe may thus be used with a holster intended for use in a fixture-based, stereotactic setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be desired; and with a holster intended for use in a handheld, ultrasound-guided setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be less desired if not undesirable. | 12-24-2009 |
20100152610 | Hand Actuated Tetherless Biopsy Device with Pistol Grip - A hand actuated biopsy device comprises a vacuum generation mechanism and a tissue cutting mechanism manually actuated by a trigger of the hand actuated biopsy device. Hand manipulation or actuation of the trigger is used to power a vacuum pump to generate vacuum and to power the tissue cutting mechanism. The hand actuated biopsy device has a tissue piercing needle with a tissue receiving aperture. A tissue cutter translates and rotates within the needle and is powered by actuations of the trigger. When the needle is placed into tissue and the trigger is actuated to power the vacuum pump and the tissue cutter, tissue is drawn into the tissue receiving aperture and severed by the hand powered cutter. A tissue collection chamber can be attached to the hand actuated biopsy device to receive severed tissue samples within. | 06-17-2010 |
20100292607 | TETHERLESS BIOPSY DEVICE WITH SELF-REVERSING CUTTER DRIVE MECHANISM - A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter. A self-reversing cutter translation mechanism translates the cutter proximally and distally in response to rotation of the cutter in a single rotational direction. The cutter translation mechanism comprises a lead screw with discretely formed threads and a rotatable pawl. The cutter is translated proximally when the pawl is in a first rotational orientation; and distally when the pawl is in a second rotational orientation. Resilient members cause the pawl to be rotated between the first and second rotational orientations when the cutter reaches a distal position and a proximal position. A vacuum draws severed tissue samples through the interior of the cutter to deposit the samples in a holder. The translation mechanism engages a valve mechanism to provide simultaneous venting to part of the needle and reversal of the pawl orientation when the cutter reaches a distal position. | 11-18-2010 |
20100301096 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 12-02-2010 |
20100312063 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACCESSING A BODY CAVITY USING A SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE WITH MODULAR SEAL COMPONENTS - Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can include a hollow tubular member and a modular seal member. The modular seal member can be configured to radially span a lumen of the tubular member and can be removably and replaceably matable to a portion of the tubular member. The access device can also include a plurality of access ports, each of which can be configured to mate with the modular seal member at a respective desired location. | 12-09-2010 |
20110071431 | BIOPSY MARKER DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A biopsy system includes a biopsy device operable for taking one or more biopsy samples from a patient and a marker delivery device. The biopsy device includes a body portion having an alignment feature and a hollow biopsy needle extending distally from the body portion. The marker delivery device includes a marker deployer tube and an alignment feature associated with the marker deployer tube. The alignment feature on the marker delivery device is configured to matingly engage with the alignment feature on the biopsy device. A marker delivery device includes a resilient marker guide ramp. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071553 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM WITH LOAD MONITOR - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071558 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM TENSION RELEASE MECHANISM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071646 | TISSUE INTERFACE FOR IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110132964 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132965 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 06-09-2011 |
20110184430 | Tissue Retrieval Device with Modular Pouch Cartridge - A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a handle assembly, an actuating rod, an introducer tube, and a retrieval bag. In some versions the specimen retrieval instrument further comprises a modular cartridge containing the retrieval bag. Upon translation of the actuating rod within the tube, the cartridge opens, releasing and opening the retrieval bag for receiving a specimen. A center spindle may be included where the spindle includes a slot for inserting a portion of the retrieval bag and wrapping the retrieval bag about the spindle. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise a rotating cam actuator that opens and closes a pair of support arms attached to the retrieval bag. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise rotating curved support arms operable to open and close the retrieval bag. Pins registered to helical grooves may provide rotation of the support arms as the support arms translate. | 07-28-2011 |
20110290855 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a robotic system configured to generate control systems therefor. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the robotic system to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 12-01-2011 |
20120116260 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MOTORIZED ATTACHMENT FEATURE - An apparatus comprises an instrument body and transmission assembly. The instrument body comprises a motor, a switch, and an energy source (e.g., an ultrasonic transducer). The transmission assembly comprises an end effector, a transmission feature (e.g., an acoustic waveguide), and a switch engagement feature. The end effector includes an active feature (e.g., a harmonic blade) in communication with the energy source. The switch engagement feature is operable to mechanically couple the energy source with the transmission feature in response to the switch engagement feature triggering the switch. A yoke of the instrument body is configured to selectively engage a translating member of the transmission assembly. A release switch is operable to selectively disengage the yoke from the translating member. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116363 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDPIECE WITH RESILIENTLY BIASED COUPLING TO MODULAR SHAFT AND END EFFECTOR - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116394 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PIVOTING COUPLING TO MODULAR SHAFT AND END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument comprises a body and a shaft assembly. The body includes an energy source such as an ultrasonic transducer. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector and a transmission member such as an acoustic waveguide. The end effector may include a harmonic blade and a pivoting clamp member. One or both of the body or the shaft assembly includes a pivot feature. The pivot feature is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot feature may include a bar defining a pivot axis about which the shaft assembly pivots to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly. The pivot feature may also include a pivoting cover configured to cover a recess in the body in which a proximal portion of the shaft assembly is received. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116396 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument may include a reusable body assembly, a reusable transducer and blade assembly, and a disposable end effector. The transducer and blade assembly may be latched into the body assembly. One version may include an electrical connector on the latch member to electrically couple the body assembly to the transducer. The end effector may include an outer sheath portion coupleable to an outer sheath of the body assembly via a bayonet connection and a clamp arm pivotably coupled to the outer sheath portion. In some versions, an inner tubular member of the body assembly may also couple to an inner tube portion via a bayonet connection. The inner tubular member may include a key to align with a slot on the transducer and blade assembly to align the clamp arm with the blade. The end effector may alternatively couple via threading or ratcheting teeth having a slip feature. | 05-10-2012 |
20120283563 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH MANIFOLD ALIGNMENT FEATURE AND TISSUE SENSOR - A biopsy system includes a needle, a cutter movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample, a processing module, a tissue sensor, and an indicator. The tissue sensor is operable to sense a tissue sample severed by the cutter. The processing module is operable to drive the indicator based on information from the tissue sensor. The indicator may include an audible indicator and/or a visual indicator. The indication provided by the indicator may vary based on sensed qualities of the tissue sample. The indicator may be integrated into a biopsy instrument or may be provided as part of a remote unit. The biopsy system may also include a multi-chamber tissue sample holder. A graphical user interface may indicate which chambers of the tissue sample holder are occupied by tissue samples. | 11-08-2012 |
20120330186 | INTRODUCER FOR BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy system comprises an introducer, a biopsy device having a needle, and a marker applier. The introducer may include a closed distal tip, a lateral aperture, a proximally facing interior wall, and a ramp that guides the closed distal end of a marker applier up and into abutment with the wall as the applier is fed into the introducer. The needle of the biopsy device includes a blunt distal end and features providing clearance for the ramp as the blunt distal end is brought into abutment with the wall when the needle is fed into the introducer. The introducer may alternatively include an open distal end having resiliently biased leaves that bear against an inserted biopsy device needle. In some other versions, a fin projects laterally from the closed distal end of a marker applier, spacing the distal end away from a sidewall region of the introducer cannula. | 12-27-2012 |
20130041256 | ACCESS CHAMBER AND MARKERS FOR BIOPSY DEVICE - A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug. | 02-14-2013 |
20130053724 | BIOPSY DEVICE TISSUE SAMPLE HOLDER WITH BULK CHAMBER AND PATHOLOGY CHAMBER - A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having one or more chambers that are configured to receive a removable tray including one or more prongs and a bulk chamber of a different volume than the one or more chambers. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray prong is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. The tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid. | 02-28-2013 |
20130138091 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 05-30-2013 |
20130200132 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 08-08-2013 |
20140135649 | TETHERLESS BIOPSY DEVICE WITH SELF-REVERSING CUTTER DRIVE MECHANISM - A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a motor, a power source, a vacuum source, and a cutter translation assembly. The needle extends distally from the body and receives tissue. The cutter translates with respect to the needle to sever tissue received by the needle. The motor is disposed within the body and rotates a drive shaft in a first direction. The power source is disposed within the body and powers the motor. The vacuum source is disposed within the body and provides vacuum in at least one of the needle and the cutter. The cutter translation assembly is disposed within the body and translates the cutter proximally and distally with respect to the needle in response to rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction. | 05-15-2014 |
20140252067 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252069 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252071 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140378953 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 12-25-2014 |
20150088191 | Detachable End Effectors - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. | 03-26-2015 |