Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080226029 | Medical device including scanned beam unit for imaging and therapy - A medical device includes a radiation source assembly having at least two radiation sources, where one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate an imaging beam for use in visualization of a scene and one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate a therapeutic beam for treatment of a medical condition. An optical fiber for directing radiation energy from the radiation source assembly toward a distal end of the medical device in the form of a beam. A reflector that receives the beam from the optical fiber, the reflector configured to direct the beam onto a field-of-view. A receiving system including a detector arranged and configured to receive radiation from the field-of-view to generate a viewable image. The imaging beam and the therapeutic beam are directed to follow a common path from the at least two radiation sources to the reflector. | 09-18-2008 |
20080312490 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REPAIRING DAMAGED OR DISEASED TISSUE USING A SCANNING BEAM ASSEMBLY - A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image. | 12-18-2008 |
20090001121 | Surgical staple having an expandable portion - A surgical staple including features which can reduce bleeding from soft tissue. In various embodiments, the surgical staple can include at least one deformable member which can puncture a hole in soft tissue as it is inserted therethrough. The deformable member can include a material thereon, or can be comprised of a material, which can expand and substantially fill the puncture hole in the soft tissue. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable member can be coated with a hydrophilic material which can expand when exposed to water, or other bodily fluids, and apply a compression force to the perimeter of the puncture hole. Such a compression force can reduce bleeding from the puncture hole and thereby reduce any potential complications resulting therefrom. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005808 | Staple cartridge cavity configuration with cooperative surgical staple - Surgical staples including features which can cooperate with staple cavities in a staple cartridge in order to reduce, or even prevent, the surgical staples from rocking, rotating or tilting, within the staple cavities while the staples are deployed by a staple driver, especially when the staples are oriented at different directions. In various embodiments, the surgical staples can include crowns having arcuate and/or cylindrical features which can cooperate with arcuate and/or cylindrical features of the staple cavities in order to reduce unwanted relative movement, or rotation, between the staples and the staple cavities. | 01-01-2009 |
20090021818 | MEDICAL SCANNING ASSEMBLY WITH VARIABLE IMAGE CAPTURE AND DISPLAY - A scanned beam imaging system including a housing suitable for insertion into a body and a radiation source configured to direct a beam of radiation into or through the housing and onto an area within the body. The scanned beam imaging system further includes an adjustable element inside the housing and positioned to reflect the beam of radiation or to receive the beam of radiation therethrough, wherein the adjustable element is physically adjustable to vary a property of the beam of radiation that is reflected thereby or received therethrough. The scanned beam imaging system further includes a collector configured to receive radiation returned from the area within the body. | 01-22-2009 |
20090036734 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTRODUCING A SCANNING BEAM UNIT INTO THE ANATOMY - A module for attachment to a medical instrument to scan the anatomy with a beam of radiation. The module comprising a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to a medical instrument, an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy, and a collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy. | 02-05-2009 |
20090206125 | PACKAGING FOR ATTACHING BUTTRESS MATERIAL TO A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206126 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL WITH ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION FEATURES FOR USE WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTORS - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
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 |
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 |
20090206139 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 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 |
20090206141 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL HAVING AN ACTIVATABLE ADHESIVE - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206142 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206143 | SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING BUTTRESS RETENTION FEATURES - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209946 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209979 | MOTORIZED CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING BATTERY USAGE - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train and a DC power source comprising one or more batteries. The handle also comprises a power regulator having an input connected to the DC power source and an output connected to an input of the motor. The power regulator comprises a power converter and a control circuit for controlling the power converter. The control circuit controls the voltage set point for the power converter so that voltage delivered from the power source is less than the voltage at which the power source delivers maximum power. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209995 | IMPLANTABLE ADJUSTABLE SPHINCTER SYSTEM - An implantable adjustable sphincter system is comprised of a band configured to encircle a portion of an anatomical passageway, a manual pump, a reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with the band and the manual pump. The valve assembly is comprised of a first configuration and a second configuration, and is operable to be manually switched between configurations. The first configuration only permits fluid to flow from the band toward the reservoir. The second configuration only permits fluid to flow from the reservoir toward the band. The manual pump is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and the reservoir, and is manually operable to transfer fluid between the reservoir and the band when the valve assembly is in the second configuration. | 08-20-2009 |
20100076475 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 03-25-2010 |
20100114133 | SURGICAL CLIP - A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method for ligating vessels is also provided. | 05-06-2010 |
20100185215 | SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER RATCHET MECHANISM - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. | 07-22-2010 |
20100249804 | CLIP APPLIER WITH MIGRATIONAL RESISTANCE FEATURES - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. | 09-30-2010 |
20110125177 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 05-26-2011 |
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 |
20110192882 | SURGICAL STAPLE HAVING AN EXPANDABLE PORTION - A surgical staple including features which can reduce bleeding from soft tissue. In various embodiments, the surgical staple can include at least one deformable member which can puncture a hole in soft tissue as it is inserted therethrough. The deformable member can include a material thereon, or can be comprised of a material, which can expand and substantially fill the puncture hole in the soft tissue. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable member can be coated with a hydrophilic material which can expand when exposed to water, or other bodily fluids, and apply a compression force to the perimeter of the puncture hole. Such a compression force can reduce bleeding from the puncture hole and thereby reduce any potential complications resulting therefrom. | 08-11-2011 |
20110218553 | SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER RATCHET MECHANISM - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218555 | CLIP APPLIER WITH MIGRATIONAL RESISTANCE FEATURES - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224696 | CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO PREVENT CLIP FALLOUT - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. | 09-15-2011 |
20110295180 | INTESTINAL BRAKE INDUCING INTRALUMINAL THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE ELUTING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient. | 12-01-2011 |
20120074198 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE - A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side. | 03-29-2012 |
20120312860 | TISSUE STAPLER HAVING A THICKNESS COMPENSATOR INCORPORATING AN ANTI-MICROBIAL AGENT - A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein. | 12-13-2012 |
20130041371 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MAGNETIC DRIVE TRAIN TORQUE LIMITING DEVICE - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train. The instrument also comprises a torque-limiting device connected between to an output pole of the motor and an input pole of the drive train. | 02-14-2013 |
20130068821 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH STAPLE REINFORCEMENT CLIP - An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a cutter and a stapler. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of tissue. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of staples where the stapler is operable to introduce the plurality of staples into tissue to form a staple line. The apparatus further comprises a reinforcement clip. The reinforcement clip is operable to be in selective communication with the staple line. The reinforcement clip comprises a crown, a leg portion, and a teeth portion. In some versions, the leg portion has a width operable to cover the area defined by the staple line. In some versions, the teeth portion is configured to anchor into tissue. | 03-21-2013 |
20130126581 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 05-23-2013 |
20130161375 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE - A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side. | 06-27-2013 |
20140155807 | INTESTINAL BRAKE INDUCING INTRALUMINAL THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE ELUTING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient. | 06-05-2014 |
20140243865 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 08-28-2014 |
20140303650 | Surgical Clip Applier Methods - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. | 10-09-2014 |
20140330161 | INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom. | 11-06-2014 |
20140343578 | Clip Applier with Migrational Resistance Features - A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. | 11-20-2014 |
20150060521 | 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. | 03-05-2015 |