Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US4950273?dq=6004266
Timestamp: 2017-04-27 11:28:54
Document Index: 168404436

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 50', 'art 52', 'arts 50', 'arts 50', 'art 50', 'art 52', 'arts 92', 'arts 92', 'arts 50']

Patent US4950273 - Cable action instrument - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA cable action instrument for surgery and other uses comprises a control end, a reaction end, and an angle adjustment section connecting the control end and the reaction end. A flexible control cable extends between the control end and the reaction end and allows a force to be transmitted from the control...http://www.google.com/patents/US4950273?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4950273 - Cable action instrumentAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS4950273 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 07/313,172Publication dateAug 21, 1990Filing dateFeb 21, 1989Priority dateOct 26, 1987Fee statusLapsedPublication number07313172, 313172, US 4950273 A, US 4950273A, US-A-4950273, US4950273 A, US4950273AInventorsJeffrey M. BriggsOriginal AssigneeBriggs Jeffrey MExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (16), Referenced by (277), Classifications (23), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetCable action instrument
US 4950273 AAbstract
A cable action instrument for surgery and other uses comprises a control end, a reaction end, and an angle adjustment section connecting the control end and the reaction end. A flexible control cable extends between the control end and the reaction end and allows a force to be transmitted from the control end to the reaction end so that a desired function may be performed at an instrument tip. The instrument may be bent into an unlimited number of configurations and is easily disassembled and reassembled.
1. A cable action instrument comprising:(a) a control end comprising a cable control lever and a control lever handle pivotally attached thereto; (b) a reaction end comprising an instrument tip receptor and an attachable instrument tip; (c) an angle adjustment section comprising a connecting bar and two universal joints, said universal joints respectively attached to the control lever handle and the instrument tip receptor, said universal joints being independently adjustable and lockable; and (d) a flexible control cable assembly external to the angle adjustment section which transmits a force from the control end to the reaction end, said flexible control cable assembly comprising a cable of sufficient length and proper tension to permit operation of the instrument in a full range of hemispheric positions. 2. The cable action instrument of claim 1 wherein the attachable instrument tip comprises a surgical instrument.
3. The cable action instrument of claim 2 wherein the surgical instrument comprises at least two portions interacting pivotally with one another.
4. The cable action instrument of claim 3 wherein the attachable instrument tip is a scissors.
5. The cable action instrument of claim 2 wherein the attachable instrument tip is a forceps.
6. The cable action instrument of claim 5 wherein the cable control lever and the control lever handle interact by means of a ratchetting mechanism comprising a toothed ratchet bar and a ratchet lever.
7. A cable action instrument comprising:(a) a control end comprising a control lever handle, a snare slide base attached thereto, and a finger slide slidably mounted on the snare slide base; (b) a reaction end comprising an instrument tip receptor and a snare wire; (c) an angle adjustment section comprising a connecting bar and two universal joints, said universal joints respectively attached to the control lever handle and the instrument tip receptor, said universal joints being independently adjustable and lockable; and (d) a flexible control assembly external to the angle adjustment section which transmits a force from the control end to the reaction end, said flexible control cable assembly comprising a cable of sufficient length and proper tension to permit operation of the instrument in a full range of hemispheric positions. 8. The cable action instrument of claim 7 further comprising a fiber optic light.
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 112,464, filed Oct. 26, 1987, now abandoned.
Most surgical and other types of instruments are rather rigid and unbendable. These characteristics allow the operator of the instrument excellent control, but sometimes hinder or eliminate the possibility of using the instrument to perform its function at a site which is difficult to reach due to unusual angular entry to the site. Surgeons, dentists and model-makers in particular must often contend with unusual angular entry into the areas in which they must operate. The need for a more flexible instrument is clear.
A further drawback of current surgical and other types of instruments is their unitary construction. If one part of an instrument becomes damaged or unworkable, other than a replaceable part such as a blade, the entire instrument must often be replaced. Thus, a multitude of similar instruments must be kept in stock. An instrument which has interchangeable working ends or tips would eliminate the need for keeping so many similar instruments in stock. Also, an instrument which could be easily disassembled and reassembled would permit the use of replacement parts, ease cleaning and repair processes, and make storage of the instrument more economical. Furthermore, the length of an instrument can be easily varied with replaceable parts.
The present invention is directed to a cable action instrument comprising a control end, a reaction end and an intermediate angle adjustment section connecting the two ends. A flexible control cable extends from the control end to the reaction and allows a transfer of force from the control end to the reaction end. The control end comprises a cable control lever pivotably connected to a control lever handle, while the reaction end comprises an attachable instrument tip. The angle adjustment section comprises two universal joints joined by a connecting bar. Attachable instrument tips used on the cable action instrument may include a scissors tip, a hemostat tip, and a forceps tip.
The cable action instrument is flexible to allow for operation in an unlimited number of positions. The instrument is also capable of extensive disassembly, which permits easier exchange of parts such as instrument tips, easier cleaning and repair, easier and more economical storage and transport, and easier adjustment of the length of the instrument. Partial disassembly of the instrument by removal of the angle adjustment section also provides a tool useful for work in areas more remote from the control end.
A modified cable action instrument has a snare wire tip on the reaction end and a finger slide to control the cable movement. An optical fiber may also be used in order to provide illumination at the instrument tip.
The various objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be more readily appreciated from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a cable action instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the instrument shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the control end portion of the instrument;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the cable action instrument illustrating different bent positions thereof;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a modified instrument tip;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a modified embodiment of the cable action instrument; and
FIG. 7 is a side view of a modified embodiment of the cable action instrument without the angle adjustment section.
Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate like parts and components.
A cable action instrument 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The instrument 10 comprises a control end 11, a reaction end 17, an angle adjustment section 19 which connects the control end to the reaction end, and a flexible control cable assembly 21 extending between the control end and the reaction end. The angle adjustment section 19 allows for flexibility, bendability and adaptability of the instrument 10. The control cable assembly 21 permits the transfer of force from the control end 11 to complete a desired manipulation or movement at the reaction end 17 of the instrument.
FIG. 1 shows the cable action instrument 10 from a side view in an unbent position. The control end 11 of the instrument 10 includes a cable control lever 12 and a control lever handle 14 as its two major component parts. The cable control lever 12 and the control lever handle 14 are pivotally connected to one another by a threaded screw 16. At one end of the cable control lever 12 is an aperture 13. A similar aperture 15 is located at an end of the control lever handle 14. The apertures 13, 15 permit the insertion of the instrument operator's index finger and thumb, respectively, in order to control the movement of the cable control lever 12. The movement of the cable control lever 12 toward and away from the control lever handle 14 determines the resultant actions of the instrument 10 and its reaction end 17.
When the instrument 10 is being used, the screw 16 permits the user to move the cable control lever 12 toward the control lever handle 14 by the application of a squeezing force between the two. Conversely, the screw 16 also permits movement of the lever 12 and handle 14 away from each other with the application of a separating force. The range of motion of the cable control lever 12 relative to the control lever handle 14 extends from a position in which the lever 12 and handle 14 are immediately adjacent to and in contact with one another, to a position in which the lever 12 and handle 14 are separated by approximately 75°. The latter position is illustrated in FIG. 1.
Attached to the control lever handle 14 is an arcuate ratchet bar 18 which extends in the direction of the cable control lever 12 and is formed with teeth or serrations 30 on its outer arcuate edge. The ratchet bar 18 passes through a slot 20 located in the cable control lever 12, as illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 3. A ratchet lever 22 is pivotally attached to the cable control lever 12 by means of a pivot pin 24. The ratchet lever 22 includes a control end 26 which is positioned so as to be easily reached and controlled by a finger of the instrument user, and a serrated ratchet engaging end 28 which is positioned in confronting relationship with the serrated edge of the ratchet bar 18. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the counterclockwise pivoting of the ratchet lever 22 by the user results in the engagement of the ratchet engaging end 28 with the ratchet bar teeth 30. In this condition, the cable control lever 12 is held against counterclockwise movement and cannot be further separated from the control lever handle 14; however, due to the angle of the serrations 28, 30, the cable control lever 12 can be moved in a clockwise direction toward the control lever handle 14. Disengagement of the ratchet engaging end 28 from the ratchet bar teeth 30 permits further separation of the cable control lever 12 and the control lever handle 14. This disengagement is affected by pivoting the ratchet lever 22 in a clockwise direction until it assumes the position shown in FIG. 1.
Although the ratchet lever 22 may be allowed to pivot freely if desired, the illustrated embodiment makes use of a leaf spring 32 to create resistance to the pivoting motion of the ratchet lever 22. The leaf spring 32 is attached to the cable control lever 12 by means of a retaining screw 34. The pressure of the leaf spring 32 produces a detent action in the ratchet lever 22, so that the lever tends to remain in the fully engaged position or in the fully released position until it is moved by the user's finger pressure.
The end 36 of the control lever handle 14 which is opposite to and furthest away from the aperture 15 is formed with screw threads as shown in FIG. 2. Intermediate the threaded end 36 and the aperture 15 of the control lever handle 14, but closer to the threaded end 36, is an upstanding shoulder 38. The shoulder 38 is formed with an axial bore which receives an internally threaded bore 40. There is also a slit 41 which extends along the top of shoulder 38 and intersects bore 40. The bore 40 accommodates a cable tension adjustment screw 42. A cable 44 passes through the cable tension adjustment screw 42 and forms a closed loop 45 through a clearance hole 46. The hole 46 is formed at the innermost end of the cable control lever 12, on the side of the pivot screw 16 opposite to the aperture 13 and ratchet lever 22.
A cable connector 48 is located between the closed loop 45 of cable 44 and the cable tension adjustment screw 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the cable connector 48 consists of two parts which are screwed together. One part 50 has a threaded protrusion and the other part 52 has a threaded cavity or bore. Sections of the cable 44 are attached to the respective parts 50 and 52, one section passing through the bore 40 and the other terminating at the clearance hole 46. When the parts 50 and 52 are connected, the cable 44 becomes essentially continuous as shown in FIG. 1.
The angle adjustment section 19 of the cable action instrument 10 is connected to the control end 11 at the threaded end 36 of the control lever handle 14. A universal joint collar 54 is screwed onto the threaded end 36. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a connecting bar 56 with integral ball-shaped ends 58, 60 interacts with universal joint collars 54, 62, respectively, in a ball-and-socket manner.
FIG. 3 shows the control end ball 58 engaged with the indented surface of a plunger 64. The plunger 64 is slidably fitted into a countersunk bore 65. A spring 66 is also located in the bore 65 and surrounds the narrower portion of the plunger 64. The spring 66 exerts a compressive force on the plunger 64 and the ball end 58. The collar 54 holds the ball end 58 in place against the compressive force. A similar structure is present at the opposite end of connecting bar 56 where the ball end 60 engages with the indented surface of the plunger 64. The universal joint collar 62 holds the ball end 60 in place against the compressive force exerted by the spring 66.
The reaction end 17 may consist of a variety of different instrument tips. Shown in FIG. 1 is a scissors tip 68. An instrument tip receptor 70 connects the reaction end 17 to the angle adjustment section 19. A threaded end 72 of the instrument tip receptor 70 is screwed into the second universal joint 62 to form the connection between the reaction end 17 and the angle adjustment section 19. A bore 74 in the instrument tip receptor 70 receives an insertion end 76 of the scissors tip 68. The scissors tip insertion end 76 and the bore 74 fit securely together.
The scissors tip 68 also consists of a stationary blade 78 and a cable activated blade 80 pivotally attached by screw 82. At least one of the two scissors blades 78, 80 is a sharpened blade. Most commonly, if only one blade is a sharpened blade, such will be the cable activated blade 80. The cable 44 is attached to the cable activated blade 80 by forming a loop 83 through a clearance hole 84 on control arm 86. A return spring 88 is attached to the stationary blade 78 by a screw 89 and exerts a force against the cable activated blade 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the force tends to keep the cable activated blade 80 in an open position relative to the stationary blade 78.
The flexible control cable assembly 21 connects the control end 11 to the reaction end 17 of instrument 10. The cable 44 forms a loop 45 through clearance hole 46 of the cable control lever 12. From there, the cable 44 passes through the cable tension adjustment screw 42 and extends to and through bore 96 in the instrument tip receptor 70. A slit 97 intersects the bore 96 and facilitates replacement of the cable 44 when necessary. After passing through the bore 96, the cable 44 is attached to one member 92 of the cable connector 90. A cable loop 83 is attached to the other cable connector member 94 and passes through clearance hole 84 in the cable activated blade 80 of the instrument (scissors) tip 68. The two members, 92, 94 of cable connector 90 are best shown in FIG. 2. Member 94 has a threaded extension which is screwed into a threaded bore in member 92. Between the tension adjustment screw 42 and the instrument tip receptor bore 96, the cable 44 is covered by a flexible sheath 98 which is generally made from a plastic material.
As illustrated by FIG. 2, one of the advantages of the cable action instrument is its ability to be disassembled for easy transport, and more economical storage. When disassembling the instrument for transport or storage it is preferentially broken down into its control end, angle adjustment section and reaction end. The control end is removed from the body of the instrument by unscrewing the cable connector part 50 from the cable connector part 52 then unscrewing the threaded end 36 of the control lever handle 14 from the universal joint collar 54. The angle adjustment section may then be separated from the reaction end by unscrewing the cable connector parts 92, 94 from each other, followed by the separation of the second universal joint collar 62 from the instrument tip receptor 70. Additionally, the instrument tip may be separated from the instrument tip receptor 70 by removal of the tip insertion end 76 from the bore 74. The removal of the instrument tip from the cable action instrument permits its replacement by a different instrument tip with a minimum amount of time and energy expenditure. Further advantages of the ease of disassembly of the instrument are the ability to replace parts without having to replace the entire instrument and the ability to thoroughly clean the instrument before or after use.
A further advantage of the replaceability of parts is that the length of the instrument 10 can be easily increased or decreased by substituting a longer or shorter connecting bar 56 and then substituting a correspondingly longer or shorter cable 44. After disconnecting cable connectors 48 and 90, the cable tension adjustment screw 42 is removed from bore 40 and the cable 44 may be easily removed from bores 40 and 96 by lifting it through slits 45 and 97, respectively. The new cable 44 is slipped into the same bores through the same slits and the cable connectors are reconnected. The connecting bar 56 is just as easily replaced by unscrewing universal joint collars 54 and 62 to remove the old connecting bar 56 and then replacing it with the desired longer or shorter connecting bar by screwing on the attached universal joint collars 54 and 62.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, a still further advantage of the disassembly feature of the cable action instrument is the adaptability of the instrument to a modified embodiment which lacks the angle adjustment section 19. With this modified embodiment, the operator of the instrument has even greater ability to reach and operate the reaction end of the instrument 17 at remote and hard-to-reach areas.
As explained above, the cable action instrument 10 is easily converted to the modified embodiment of FIG. 7 by unscrewing universal joint collars 54 and 62 to remove the connecting bar 56. The internal components of the two universal joints would also be removed in the conversion of the cable action instrument 10 to the modified embodiment of FIG. 7. The internal components of the universal joints include the plungers 64 and the springs 66.
When using this modified embodiment, the operator would most commonly use both hands. One hand would operate the control end 11 while the second hand would hold the reaction end 17 in place at the remote area where the desired action is to take place. The actual mechanics by which the modified instrument performs its action are the same as the mechanics for the cable action instrument 10 as set forth below.
When using the cable control instrument with a scissors tip, the operator places his index finger in aperture 13 and his thumb in aperture 15 and applies a squeezing motion with his index finger and thumb to move the cable control lever 12 closer to the control lever handle 14. When using the instrument with the scissors tip, the ratchet lever 22 should remain in an open position such that the lever engaging end 28 is not engaged with the ratchet bar teeth 30. The open position of the ratchet lever 22 permits unhindered squeezing and separating of the cable control lever 12 in relation to the control lever handle 14.
As the cable control lever 12 is squeezed towards the control lever handle 14 a pulling force is exerted on the cable 44. The pulling force is transferred over the length of the cable 44 to the cable activated blade 80. The pulling force causes the cable activated blade 80 to pivot towards a closed position in relation to the stationary blade 78. The force transmitted through the cable 44 to the blade 80 must overcome the opposing force of the return spring 88 which tends to keep the cable activated blade 80 in an open position.
The cable tension adjustment screw 42 is used to align the pivoted position of the cable control lever 12 and the control lever handle 14 with the pivoted position of the cable activated blade 80 and the stationary blade 78. Although any alignment may be made, the preferred alignment is for the two blades 78, 80 to be in a completely closed position when the two levers 12, 14 are in a completely closed position. The actual alignment results for increasing or decreasing the tension of cable 44 by turning the cable tension adjustment screw 42.
As illustrated by FIG. 4, a major advantage of the cable action instrument 10 is its ability to be positioned into an unlimited number of configurations. The interaction of the two universal joints with the connecting bar 56 allows a full hemispherical range of motion at each joint with the capability of fixing any angle by frictional tightening of the universal joints. The non-permanent angular positioning of the instrument is accomplished by loosening the collar 54 and then adjusting the angle of connecting bar 56. When connecting bar 56 is at the desired angle relative to the control end 11, the collar 54 is tightened so that the angle of connecting bar 56 is temporarily fixed. The same procedure is followed to temporarily fix the angle of connecting bar 56 with respect to the reaction end by loosening collar 62, setting connecting bar 56 at the desired angle and then tightening collar 62. The cable 44 is of sufficient length so as not to hinder the positioning of the instrument. The instrument provides an important advantage to any operator who must perform a function in an area which would be difficult to reach with a conventional instrument. The cable action instrument can be used advantageously by surgeons, dentists and model builders as well as others with similar needs.
FIG. 5 shows the optional forceps instrument tip which may be used with the cable action instrument 10. The forceps tip would be used in place of the scissors tip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a forceps tip insertion end 100 will fit securely in the bore 74 in the instrument tip receptor 70. The forceps tip consists of a stationary clamp arm 102 which is an integral extension of the tip insertion end 100, and a cable activated clamp arm 104. The cable activated clamp arm 104 is pivotably connected to the stationary clamp arm 102, and a return spring 110 tends to keep the clamp arm 104 in an open position relative to the clamp arm 102. The cable 44 is attached to the control end 106 of the cable activated clamp arm 104 by being looped through a clearance hole 108.
When changing from a scissors tip to a forceps tip, the cable connector 90 must first be disengaged by unscrewing member 94 from member 92. Following the disengagement of the cable connector, the scissors tip 68 may be pulled from the instrument tip receptor 70 thus disengaging the instrument tip insertion end 68 from the bore 74. The forceps tip insertion end 100 may then be securely fit in the bore 74 and the cable connector members 92, 94 screwed back together. The advantages and methods of manipulation of the cable action instrument with a forceps tip are the same as those explained above for the cable action instrument with a scissors tip. The cable activated clamp arm 104 pivots to a less open position when the pulling force on cable 44 overcomes the force exerted by the return spring 110.
The instrument with the forceps tip may also be used as a hemostat by causing the ratchet lever engaging end 28 to interact with the ratchet bar teeth 30. By manipulating the ratchet lever 22 to a closed position before squeezing the cable control lever 12 closer to the control lever handle 14, the ratchet lever engaging end 28 will interact with the ratchet bar teeth 30. This interaction prevents any separation movement of the cable control lever 12 away from the control lever handle 14 unless the ratchet lever 22 is moved back to an open position by pulling the ratchet control end 26. When the instrument is used as a hemostat, the operator may remove his thumb and index finger from the apertures 13 and 15 and cable activated clamp arm 104 will maintain its position relative to stationary clamp arm 102 so long as the ratchet lever engaging 28 and the ratchet bar teeth 30 remain engaged.
FIG. 6 shows a modified cable action instrument 10'. The modified cable action instrument 10' has a different control end 11' and a different reaction end 17'. All parts of the modified cable action instrument 10' which are identical to those of the above described cable action instrument 10 are designated by the same numbers as used above. In place of the cable control lever 12 of the cable action instrument 10, the modified cable action instrument 10' shown in FIG. 6 has a snare slide base 112 and a finger slide 114 mounted thereon. The ratchet bar 18 extends through slot 115 of snare slide base 112 but has no interactive capacity in the modified instrument 10'. The threaded screw 16 secures the snare slide base 112 to the control lever handle 14. A fiber optic light source 118 which consists of a battery source (not shown) and a light source (not shown) is attached to the handle 14 by screw 116. The finger slide 114 is capable of sliding motion on the snare slide base 112 and is attached to the cable 44 by means of cable connector 48 which is directly attached to finger slide 114.
The cable 44 extends from cable connector 48 through a bore 120 in the fiber optic light source 118 and through the cable tension adjustment screw 42 before extending to the instrument tip receptor 70. The cable 44 is covered with the flexible sheath 98 between the cable tension adjustment screw 42 and the instrument tip receptor 70. The cable 44 passes through the bore 96 and is attached to a snare wire 122 by means of the cable connector 90 (not shown). The cable connector 90 and a portion of the snare wire 122 are covered by tubular housing 124. The snare wire tip 126 consists of an insertion end 127 which slides into the bore 74 in the instrument tip receptor 70.
The fiber optic light 128 is in parallel alignment to the cable 44, and is kept in this parallel alignment by means of at least two cable bands 130 spaced along, and wrapped around, the cable 44 and the fiber optic light 128. The fiber optic light 128 illuminates the area in which the snare wire tip 126 cuts small objects or protrusions by tightening the loop of snare wire 122 around the object to be cut. A snare wire type device is often used for the surgical removal of tonsils.
When using the modified cable action instrument 10', the operator places his index finger in aperture 15 and his thumb in finger slide 114. By pulling the finger slide along the length of slide base 112 away from the body of the instrument, the cable 44 is pulled in the same direction and the circumference of snare wire 122 becomes smaller. When the circumference of snare wire 122 has completely closed, the cutting of the object is complete. The instrument is positioned into its desired configuration in the same manner described above by loosening the universal joint collars, setting the connecting bar and then tightening the collars.
The cable action instrument 10 is easily converted to the modified embodiment 10' by changing the reaction end 17 and the control end 11. At the reaction end, the two parts 92, 94 of cable connector 90 are disengaged and the instrument tip insertion end is pulled out of bore 74. The snare wire tip insertion end 127 is then slipped into bore 74 and the cable connector 90 reconnected. At the control end, the cable connector 48 is disengaged by unscrewing parts 50 and 52. Screw 16 is then unscrewed to permit removal of cable control lever 12 and its replacement by slide base 112 with finger slide 114 thereon. Screw 16 is then screwed back into place and cable connector 48 is reconnected. The fiber optic light source 118 may then be attached to control lever handle 14 and the fiber optic light 128 attached to cable sheath 98 by bands 130.
While the invention has been disclosed by reference to the details of various embodiments of the invention, it is understood that this disclosure is intended in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense, as it is contemplated that modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS723629 *Mar 24, 1902Mar 24, 1903John Henry WilesPruning-shears.US1754806 *Sep 5, 1929Apr 15, 1930Holland N StevensonSurgical instrumentUS1869295 *Feb 18, 1931Jul 26, 1932Atterbury Oscar WGrass shearsUS2512334 *May 5, 1947Jun 20, 1950Johnson Charles JHand actuated pruning shearsUS2526105 *Jan 13, 1947Oct 17, 1950Adams James BUniversal joint for hand toolsUS2579584 *Apr 25, 1947Dec 25, 1951Raymond Kachelhoffer JosephHand-harvesting toolUS2994954 *Mar 21, 1960Aug 8, 1961Thompson George HPruning shearsUS3955578 *Dec 23, 1974May 11, 1976Cook Inc.Rotatable surgical snareUS3964468 *May 30, 1975Jun 22, 1976The Board Of Trustees Of Leland Stanford Junior UniversityBioptomeUS4254549 *Dec 15, 1978Mar 10, 1981Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.Cable cutterUS4458418 *Oct 6, 1981Jul 10, 1984The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space AdministrationTubing and cable cutting toolUS4472878 *Feb 1, 1983Sep 25, 1984Jess MillerHair cutting deviceUS4485817 *May 28, 1982Dec 4, 1984United States Surgical CorporationSurgical stapler apparatus with flexible shaftUS4493572 *Dec 2, 1982Jan 15, 1985Avery International Corp.Long-life inked-ribbon cassetteGB439303A * Title not availableSU192346A1 * Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5094247 *Aug 31, 1990Mar 10, 1992Cordis CorporationBiopsy forceps with handle having a flexible couplingUS5100430 *Aug 31, 1990Mar 31, 1992Cordis CorporationBiopsy forceps device having a ball and socket flexible couplingUS5133735 *Apr 4, 1991Jul 28, 1992Symbiosis CorporationThumb-activated actuating member for imparting reciprocal motion to push rod of a disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5133736 *Apr 4, 1991Jul 28, 1992Symbiosis CorporationInvestment cast end effectors for disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5133737 *Aug 1, 1991Jul 28, 1992Grismer Jerome TSurgical grasping instrumentUS5141519 *Apr 4, 1991Aug 25, 1992Symbiosis CorporationConnecting elements for connecting push rod to end effectors in a disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5152778 *Apr 4, 1991Oct 6, 1992Symbiosis CorporationClevis for disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5156633 *Apr 4, 1991Oct 20, 1992Symbiosis CorporationMaryland dissector laparoscopic instrumentUS5171256 *Apr 4, 1991Dec 15, 1992Symbiosis CorporationSingle acting disposable laparoscopic scissorsUS5192298 *Apr 4, 1991Mar 9, 1993Symbiosis CorporationDisposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentsUS5201743 *May 5, 1992Apr 13, 1993Habley Medical Technology Corp.Axially extendable endoscopic surgical instrumentUS5203785 *Oct 21, 1991Apr 20, 1993Symbrosis CorporationLaparoscopic hook scissorsUS5209747 *Jun 5, 1992May 11, 1993Knoepfler Dennis JAdjustable angle medical forcepsUS5215101 *Oct 21, 1991Jun 1, 1993Symbiosis CorporationSharply angled kelly (Jacobs's) clampUS5234453 *Oct 21, 1991Aug 10, 1993Symblosis CorporationCobalt base alloy end effectors for laparoscopic surgical scissorsUS5234460 *Jun 24, 1992Aug 10, 1993Stouder Jr Albert ELaparoscopy instrumentUS5235966 *Oct 17, 1991Aug 17, 1993Jay JamnerEndoscopic retractorUS5241968 *Sep 11, 1992Sep 7, 1993Symbiosis CorporationSingle acting endoscopic instrumentsUS5242458 *Oct 15, 1991Sep 7, 1993Ethicon, Inc.Suture needle holder for endoscopic useUS5258004 *Oct 21, 1991Nov 2, 1993Symbiosis CorporationDouble acting, dual pivot thoracoscopic surgical lung clampsUS5275608 *Oct 16, 1991Jan 4, 1994Implemed, Inc.Generic endoscopic instrumentUS5275612 *Apr 4, 1991Jan 4, 1994Symbiosis CorporationInsulating ferrule for disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5275613 *Mar 13, 1992Jan 4, 1994Habley Medical Technology CorporationEndoscopic tissue manipulatorUS5275614 *Jun 12, 1992Jan 4, 1994Habley Medical Technology CorporationAxially extendable endoscopic surgical instrumentUS5282806 *Aug 21, 1992Feb 1, 1994Habley Medical Technology CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrument having a removable, rotatable, end effector assemblyUS5293878 *Dec 4, 1992Mar 15, 1994Symbiosis CorporationEndoscopic surgical instruments having stepped rotatable end effectorsUS5320636 *Oct 9, 1992Jun 14, 1994Symbiosis CorporationEndoscopic scissors instrument with cammed surface end effectorsUS5331971 *Jul 28, 1992Jul 26, 1994Symbiosis CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrumentsUS5342390 *Jul 24, 1992Aug 30, 1994Symbiosis CorporationThumb-activated actuating member for imparting reciprocal motion to a push rod of a disposable laparoscopic surgical instrumentUS5350391 *Dec 2, 1992Sep 27, 1994Benedetto IacovelliLaparoscopic instrumentsUS5383888 *Feb 12, 1992Jan 24, 1995United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5391166 *Oct 9, 1992Feb 21, 1995Hemostatic Surgery CorporationBi-polar electrosurgical endoscopic instruments having a detachable working endUS5391180 *Apr 21, 1993Feb 21, 1995United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5409478 *Mar 29, 1993Apr 25, 1995United States Surgical CorporationHandle for manipulating laparoscopic toolUS5411481 *Oct 27, 1992May 2, 1995American Cyanamid Co.Surgical purse string suturing instrument and methodUS5443480 *Apr 19, 1993Aug 22, 1995Symbiosis CorporationSharply angled kelly (Jacobs) clampUS5449365 *Apr 19, 1994Sep 12, 1995United States Surgical CorporationSurgical clamp apparatusUS5467763 *Jul 20, 1994Nov 21, 1995Mcmahon; Michael J.Surgical instrumentsUS5470328 *Jul 21, 1994Nov 28, 1995Snowden-Pencer, Inc.Surgical instrument handle and actuator meansUS5476479 *Jan 11, 1995Dec 19, 1995United States Surgical CorporationHandle for endoscopic surgical instruments and jaw structureUS5478347 *Oct 11, 1994Dec 26, 1995United States Surgical CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrument having curved bladesUS5483952 *Feb 15, 1994Jan 16, 1996United States Surgical CorporationHandle for surgical instrumentsUS5486189 *Oct 22, 1993Jan 23, 1996United States Surgical CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrumentUS5490819 *Sep 2, 1994Feb 13, 1996United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5496335 *Aug 25, 1993Mar 5, 1996Inlet Medical, Inc.Insertable suture passing grasping probe and methodology for using sameUS5498256 *May 28, 1993Mar 12, 1996Snowden-Pencer, Inc.Surgical instrument handleUS5507758 *Oct 19, 1993Apr 16, 1996Inlet Medical, Inc.Insertable suture grasping probe guide, and methodology for using sameUS5507773 *Feb 18, 1994Apr 16, 1996Ethicon Endo-SurgeryCable-actuated jaw assembly for surgical instrumentsUS5514157 *Mar 31, 1995May 7, 1996United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5522830 *Jun 3, 1994Jun 4, 1996United States Surgical CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrumentUS5531755 *Aug 9, 1993Jul 2, 1996Symbiosis CorporationCobalt base alloy end effectors for laparoscopic surgical scissorsUS5562700 *May 9, 1995Oct 8, 1996Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Cable-actuated jaw assembly for surgical instrumentsUS5562701 *May 9, 1995Oct 8, 1996Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Cable-actuated jaw assembly for surgical instrumentsUS5562702 *May 9, 1995Oct 8, 1996Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Cable-actuated jaw assembly for surgical instrumentsUS5603723 *Jan 11, 1995Feb 18, 1997United States Surgical CorporationSurgical instrument configured to be disassembled for cleaningUS5607450 *Dec 20, 1994Mar 4, 1997United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5613977 *May 17, 1995Mar 25, 1997Friatec Ag Keramik-Und-KunstoffwerkeGripping and/or cutting instrument for endoscopic purposesUS5620415 *Sep 23, 1994Apr 15, 1997Smith & Dyonics, Inc.Surgical instrumentUS5620447 *Sep 27, 1995Apr 15, 1997Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Surgical instrumentUS5624431 *Apr 5, 1995Apr 29, 1997United States Surgical CorporationHandle for manipulating a laparoscopic toolUS5649938 *May 1, 1995Jul 22, 1997American Cyanamid Co.Surgical purse string suturing instrument and methodUS5666965 *Jun 2, 1995Sep 16, 1997Symbiosis CorporationRadial jaw biopsy forcepsUS5725489 *Oct 11, 1995Mar 10, 1998N.E.S.S. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Systems Ltd.Splint structureUS5782834 *Feb 14, 1997Jul 21, 1998Smith & Nephew, Inc.Surgical instrumentUS5782859 *Dec 30, 1996Jul 21, 1998United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS5797956 *Mar 20, 1996Aug 25, 1998Snowden-Pencer, Inc.Surgical instrument handle and actuator means for heart surgeryUS5797959 *Aug 13, 1997Aug 25, 1998United States Surgical CorporationSurgical apparatus with articulating jaw structureUS5827263 *Aug 19, 1997Oct 27, 1998Genzyme CorporationSurgical instrument handleUS5827299 *Feb 28, 1996Oct 27, 1998Inlet Medical, IncInsertable suture passing grasping probe and methodology for using sameUS5833692 *Apr 10, 1996Nov 10, 1998Smith & Nephew, Inc.Surgical instrumentUS5843098 *Dec 10, 1996Dec 1, 1998American Cyanamid Co.Surgical purse string suturing instrument and methodUS5954734 *Sep 9, 1998Sep 21, 1999Inlet Medical, Inc.Insertable suture passing grasping probe and methodology for using sameUS6024708 *Sep 12, 1997Feb 15, 2000Symbiosis CorporationRadial jaw biopsy forcepsUS6077286 *May 7, 1997Jun 20, 2000Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. KgInstrument with a bendable handleUS6159200 *Nov 5, 1998Dec 12, 2000Smith & NephewSystems, methods, and instruments for minimally invasive surgeryUS6162208 *Sep 11, 1998Dec 19, 2000Genzyme CorporationArticulating endoscopic implant rotator surgical apparatus and method for using sameUS6165184 *Oct 7, 1997Dec 26, 2000Smith & Nephew, Inc.Systems methods and instruments for minimally invasive surgeryUS6183485Jul 26, 1999Feb 6, 2001Inlet Medical, Inc.Insertable suture passing grasping probe and methodology for using sameUS6264617Oct 12, 1999Jul 24, 2001Symbiosis CorporationRadial jaw biopsy forcepsUS6723087Dec 14, 2001Apr 20, 2004Medtronic, Inc.Apparatus and method for performing surgery on a patientUS6730097Dec 7, 2001May 4, 2004William G. DennisSurgical snare with steering tether and method of using sameUS7037307May 3, 2004May 2, 2006Dennis William GAutomatically deforming surgical snareUS7083620Jul 17, 2003Aug 1, 2006Medtronic, Inc.Electrosurgical hemostatUS7087071Nov 9, 2001Aug 8, 2006United States Surgical CorporationArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusUS7107124Dec 16, 2004Sep 12, 2006Sri InternationalRoll-pitch-roll wrist methods for minimally invasive robotic surgeryUS7118586Oct 24, 2000Oct 10, 2006Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps for medical useUS7248944Feb 22, 2006Jul 24, 2007Institute Surgical, IncRoll-pitch-roll wrist methods for minimally invasive robotic surgeryUS7458966May 19, 2004Dec 2, 2008University Of DundeeMedical instrumentUS7494501Nov 12, 2004Feb 24, 2009Applied Medical Resources CorporationOvermolded grasper jawUS7549998May 26, 2004Jun 23, 2009Tuebingen Scientific Surgical Product GmbhSurgical instrument comprising an instrument handle and zero point adjustmentUS7588545Sep 10, 2003Sep 15, 2009Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps and collection assembly with accompanying mechanisms and related methods of useUS7655004Feb 15, 2007Feb 2, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and methodUS7691126 *Sep 15, 2003Apr 6, 2010Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. KgMedical instrumentUS7815662Mar 8, 2007Oct 19, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical suture anchors and deployment deviceUS7879046Apr 20, 2007Feb 1, 2011Depuy Mitek, Inc.Suturing apparatus and methodUS7890211 *Jun 20, 2007Feb 15, 2011Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Master-slave manipulator system and apparatusUS7909850Dec 28, 2005Mar 22, 2011Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps for medical useUS7935130Sep 30, 2007May 3, 2011Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Two-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical toolsUS7942896Nov 25, 2003May 17, 2011Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Forceps and collection assembly and related methods of use and manufactureUS7947035Apr 6, 2006May 24, 2011Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Instrument for endoscope having pivotable offset portionsUS7988699 *Oct 19, 2005Aug 2, 2011Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Adjustable instrumentation for spinal implant insertionUS8029504Dec 10, 2009Oct 4, 2011Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and methodUS8037591Feb 2, 2009Oct 18, 2011Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical scissorsUS8070759May 30, 2008Dec 6, 2011Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical fastening deviceUS8075572Apr 26, 2007Dec 13, 2011Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical suturing apparatusUS8079151 *May 27, 2009Dec 20, 2011Chi-Tung ChenPruning shears having angle adjustable functionUS8083686Aug 5, 2009Dec 27, 2011Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps and collection assembly with accompanying mechanisms and related methods of useUS8100922Apr 27, 2007Jan 24, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Curved needle suturing toolUS8114072May 30, 2008Feb 14, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation deviceUS8114119Sep 9, 2008Feb 14, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical grasping deviceUS8137263 *Aug 24, 2007Mar 20, 2012Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.Articulating endoscope instrumentUS8157817Jan 21, 2003Apr 17, 2012Atropos LimitedSurgical instrumentUS8157834Nov 25, 2008Apr 17, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Rotational coupling device for surgical instrument with flexible actuatorsUS8172772Dec 11, 2008May 8, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Specimen retrieval deviceUS8211125Aug 15, 2008Jul 3, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Sterile appliance delivery device for endoscopic proceduresUS8235997Jan 29, 2009Aug 7, 2012Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Rod locking instrumentUS8241204Aug 29, 2008Aug 14, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Articulating end capUS8252057Jan 30, 2009Aug 28, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical access deviceUS8262563Jul 14, 2008Sep 11, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Endoscopic translumenal articulatable steerable overtubeUS8262655Nov 21, 2007Sep 11, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Bipolar forcepsUS8262680Mar 10, 2008Sep 11, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Anastomotic deviceUS8267958Feb 12, 2009Sep 18, 2012Tuebingen Scientific Surgical Product GmbhSurgical instrument comprising an instrument handle and zero point adjustmentUS8308774Feb 14, 2008Nov 13, 2012Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Spinal rod reducer and cap insertion apparatusUS8317806May 30, 2008Nov 27, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Endoscopic suturing tension controlling and indication devicesUS8337394Oct 1, 2008Dec 25, 2012Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Overtube with expandable tipUS8353487Dec 17, 2009Jan 15, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.User interface support devices for endoscopic surgical instrumentsUS8361066Jan 12, 2009Jan 29, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devicesUS8361112Jun 27, 2008Jan 29, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical suture arrangementUS8403837Jun 1, 2010Mar 26, 2013Covidien LpDeployable jaws retraction deviceUS8403926Jun 5, 2008Mar 26, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Manually articulating devicesUS8409200Sep 3, 2008Apr 2, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical grasping deviceUS8425505Aug 25, 2011Apr 23, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and methodUS8430905Oct 28, 2009Apr 30, 2013Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. KgMedical instrumentUS8439912Feb 26, 2010May 14, 2013Covidien LpDe-tensioning mechanism for articulation drive cablesUS8449538Jan 27, 2010May 28, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and methodUS8460205Nov 29, 2011Jun 11, 2013Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps and collection assembly with accompanying mechanisms and related methods of useUS8469993Feb 17, 2004Jun 25, 2013Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Endoscopic instrumentsUS8480657Oct 31, 2007Jul 9, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Detachable distal overtube section and methods for forming a sealable opening in the wall of an organUS8480689Sep 2, 2008Jul 9, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Suturing deviceUS8496574Dec 17, 2009Jul 30, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Selectively positionable camera for surgical guide tube assemblyUS8506564Dec 18, 2009Aug 13, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument comprising an electrodeUS8529563Aug 25, 2008Sep 10, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devicesUS8540732Dec 17, 2010Sep 24, 2013Depuy Mitek, Inc.Suturing apparatus and methodUS8545519Jul 19, 2011Oct 1, 2013Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS8545534Jan 26, 2009Oct 1, 2013Applied Medical Resources CorporationOvermolded grasper jawUS8568410Apr 25, 2008Oct 29, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation surgical instrumentsUS8579897Nov 21, 2007Nov 12, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Bipolar forcepsUS8579921Jun 15, 2009Nov 12, 2013Covidien LpSpring-type suture securing deviceUS8595902 *Oct 12, 2011Dec 3, 2013Stretta, Inc.Extension pole with docking assembly for a matching toolUS8608652Nov 5, 2009Dec 17, 2013Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Vaginal entry surgical devices, kit, system, and methodUS8632563May 7, 2004Jan 21, 2014Olympus CorporationSurgical instrumentUS8636725 *Feb 14, 2012Jan 28, 2014Erbe Elektromedizin GmbhSurgical instrument with improved handleabilityUS8652150May 30, 2008Feb 18, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Multifunction surgical deviceUS8668702Apr 13, 2009Mar 11, 2014The Regents Of The University Of MichiganMinimal access toolUS8679003May 30, 2008Mar 25, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical device and endoscope including sameUS8758368Nov 28, 2011Jun 24, 2014Depuy Mitek, LlcExpandable needle suture apparatus and associated handle assemblyUS8771260May 30, 2008Jul 8, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Actuating and articulating surgical deviceUS8771293Dec 17, 2010Jul 8, 2014Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS8828031Jan 12, 2009Sep 9, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Apparatus for forming an anastomosisUS8858588Oct 11, 2011Oct 14, 2014Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS8888792Jul 14, 2008Nov 18, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Tissue apposition clip application devices and methodsUS8900240Feb 11, 2011Dec 2, 2014Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Spinal rod and screw securing apparatus and methodUS8906035Jun 4, 2008Dec 9, 2014Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Endoscopic drop off bagUS8926639Jan 11, 2010Jan 6, 2015Teleflex Medical IncorporatedApparatus and methods for tissue closureUS8939897Feb 4, 2011Jan 27, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Methods for closing a gastrotomyUS8939997Oct 11, 2011Jan 27, 2015Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS8979891Dec 15, 2011Mar 17, 2015Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS8986199Feb 17, 2012Mar 24, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Apparatus and methods for cleaning the lens of an endoscopeUS8986287Dec 15, 2011Mar 24, 2015Adrian E. ParkAdjustable laparoscopic instrument handleUS8992549Jul 7, 2005Mar 31, 2015Teleflex Medical IncorporatedLaparoscopic port site closure toolUS9005198Jan 29, 2010Apr 14, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument comprising an electrodeUS9005238Aug 19, 2008Apr 14, 2015Covidien LpEndoscopic surgical devicesUS9011431Sep 4, 2012Apr 21, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devicesUS9028483Dec 18, 2009May 12, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument comprising an electrodeUS9033982May 14, 2013May 19, 2015Covidien LpDe-tensioning mechanism for articulation drive cablesUS9049987Mar 15, 2012Jun 9, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Hand held surgical device for manipulating an internal magnet assembly within a patientUS9078662Jul 3, 2012Jul 14, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Endoscopic cap electrode and method for using the sameUS9078684Mar 23, 2011Jul 14, 2015Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Methods for two-piece end-effectors of robotic surgical toolsUS9161770Sep 30, 2013Oct 20, 2015Applied Medical Resources CorporationOvermolded grasper jawUS9220526Mar 20, 2012Dec 29, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Rotational coupling device for surgical instrument with flexible actuatorsUS9226772Jan 30, 2009Jan 5, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical deviceUS9233241Jan 18, 2012Jan 12, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devices and methodsUS9254169Feb 28, 2011Feb 9, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devices and methodsUS9277957Aug 15, 2012Mar 8, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrosurgical devices and methodsUS9314620Feb 28, 2011Apr 19, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electrical ablation devices and methodsUS9339270Oct 11, 2011May 17, 2016Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS9357984Apr 8, 2014Jun 7, 2016Covidien LpConstant value gap stabilizer for articulating linksUS9375219May 22, 2014Jun 28, 2016Cook Medical Technologies LlcMedical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS9375268May 9, 2013Jun 28, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and methodUS9427255May 14, 2012Aug 30, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Apparatus for introducing a steerable camera assembly into a patientUS9439651May 12, 2010Sep 13, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LlcMethods for cryptographic identification of interchangeable parts for surgical instrumentsUS9492233Mar 23, 2011Nov 15, 2016Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Apparatus with two-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical toolsUS9510846Jul 9, 2012Dec 6, 2016Artack Medical (2013) Ltd.Articulating medical instrumentUS9510891Jun 20, 2013Dec 6, 2016Covidien LpSurgical instruments with structures to provide access for cleaningUS9545290Jul 30, 2012Jan 17, 2017Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Needle probe guideUS9550277 *Oct 17, 2014Jan 24, 2017Matthew E. WilliamsAlignment and adjustment clampUS9554803Dec 27, 2013Jan 31, 2017Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LlcElectrically self-powered surgical instrument with manual releaseUS9572623Aug 2, 2012Feb 21, 2017Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Reusable electrode and disposable sheathUS20030229273 *Feb 13, 2003Dec 11, 2003Mulac Anthony J.Universal scissors joint apparatusUS20030236549 *Jan 21, 2003Dec 25, 2003Frank BonadioSurgical instrumentUS20040087940 *Jul 17, 2003May 6, 2004Jahns Scott E.Electrosurgical hemostatUS20040225323 *May 7, 2004Nov 11, 2004Olympus CorporationSurgical instrumentUS20050033355 *May 19, 2004Feb 10, 2005Frank Timothy GrahamMedical instrumentUS20050033357 *May 26, 2004Feb 10, 2005Marcus BraunSurgical instrument comprising an instrument handle and zero point adjustmentUS20050043743 *May 3, 2004Feb 24, 2005Dennis William G.Automatically deforming surgical snareUS20050101991 *Nov 12, 2004May 12, 2005Applied Medical Resources CorporationOvermolded grasper jawUS20050102062 *Dec 16, 2004May 12, 2005Sri InternationalRoll-pitch-roll wrist methods for minimally invasive robotic surgeryUS20060030868 *Jul 7, 2005Feb 9, 2006Bennett Richard M IiiLaparoscopic port site closure toolUS20060089651 *Oct 26, 2004Apr 27, 2006Trudeau Jeffrey LApparatus and method for anchoring a surgical rodUS20060095043 *Oct 19, 2005May 4, 2006Martz Erik OAdjustable instrumentation for spinal implant insertionUS20060129185 *Dec 28, 2005Jun 15, 2006Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Forceps for medical useUS20060142897 *Feb 22, 2006Jun 29, 2006Sri InternationalRoll-pitch-roll wrist methods for minimally invasive robotic surgeryUS20060206144 *Mar 8, 2006Sep 14, 2006Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbhMedical instrument with actuating handleUS20060287642 *Feb 7, 2006Dec 21, 2006Alfred PerlinLaparoscopic surgical instrument having lockable handles with a latch featureUS20070072466 *Sep 27, 2005Mar 29, 2007Manabu MiyamotoInstrument for endoscopeUS20070260114 *Apr 6, 2006Nov 8, 2007Manabu MiyamotoInstrument for endoscopeUS20070270885 *Apr 20, 2007Nov 22, 2007Depuy Mitek, Inc., A Massachusetts CorporationSuturing apparatus and methodUS20070276423 *Jun 20, 2007Nov 29, 2007Sri InternationalRoll-Pitch-Roll Wrist Methods for Minimally Invasive Robotic SurgeryUS20080119870 *Sep 30, 2007May 22, 2008Williams Matthew RTwo-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical toolsUS20080154277 *Feb 12, 2008Jun 26, 2008Scott MachalkTool apparatus for locking a spinal rod in an anchoring device thereforUS20080195155 *Feb 12, 2008Aug 14, 2008Jeffrey HoffmanLocking instrument for implantable fixation deviceUS20080228233 *Feb 12, 2008Sep 18, 2008Jeffrey HoffmanInstrument for manipulating spinal implant systemUS20080300461 *May 31, 2007Dec 4, 2008Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Endoscopic DeviceUS20090054733 *Aug 24, 2007Feb 26, 2009Jacques Francois Bernard MarescauxArticulating Endoscope InstrumentUS20090054734 *Aug 19, 2008Feb 26, 2009Tyco Healthcare Group LpEndoscopic surgical devicesUS20090131975 *Jan 26, 2009May 21, 2009Applied Medical Resources CorporationOvermolded grasper jawUS20090157125 *Feb 14, 2008Jun 18, 2009Jeffrey HoffmanSpinal Rod Reducer and Cap Insertion ApparatusUS20090192521 *Feb 12, 2009Jul 30, 2009Tuebingen Scientific Surgical Product GmbhSurgical instrument comprising an instrument handle and zero point adjustmentUS20090228054 *Jan 29, 2009Sep 10, 2009Jeffrey HoffmanRod Locking InstrumentUS20090318938 *Jun 15, 2009Dec 24, 2009Tyco Healthcare Group LpSpring-Type Suture Securing DeviceUS20100049242 *Oct 28, 2009Feb 25, 2010Uwe BacherMedical InstrumentUS20100249498 *Mar 11, 2010Sep 30, 2010Tyco Healthcare Group LpEndoscopic Apparatus for Manipulating TissueUS20100299936 *May 27, 2009Dec 2, 2010Chi-Tung ChenPruning Hook Having Angle Adjustable FunctionUS20110040153 *Jun 1, 2010Feb 17, 2011Tyco Healthcare Group LpDeployable jaws retraction deviceUS20110087245 *Dec 17, 2010Apr 14, 2011Depuy Mitek, Inc., A Massachusetts CorporationSuturing Apparatus and MethodUS20110113635 *Nov 18, 2009May 19, 2011Corona Clipper, Inc.Pruning lopper with an adjustable attachment mechanismUS20110152887 *Dec 17, 2010Jun 23, 2011Wilson-Cook Medical Inc.Medical devices with detachable pivotable jawsUS20110167611 *Mar 23, 2011Jul 14, 2011Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Methods for Two-Piece End-Effectors of Robotic Surgical ToolsUS20110184232 *Jul 31, 2009Jul 28, 2011Vhairi MaxwellEndoscopic surgical instrumentUS20110202096 *Feb 11, 2011Aug 18, 2011John WhiteSpinal Rod and Screw Securing Apparatus and MethodUS20110213360 *Feb 26, 2010Sep 1, 2011Tyco Healthcare Group LpTensioning Mechanism for Articulation Drive CablesUS20110213361 *Feb 26, 2010Sep 1, 2011Tyco Healthcare Group LpDe-Tensioning Mechanism for Articulation Drive CablesUS20110238064 *Mar 23, 2011Sep 29, 2011Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Apparatus with Two-Piece End-Effectors for Robotic Surgical ToolsUS20120220987 *Feb 14, 2012Aug 30, 2012Tobias AmannSurgical instrument with improved handleabilityUS20140230220 *Feb 19, 2014Aug 21, 2014Typical 4 LLCTrophy mount and skull clampUSD685907Mar 28, 2012Jul 9, 2013Imds CorporationHandle for a surgical instrumentUSRE39415 *Feb 24, 2005Nov 28, 2006Boston Scientific Miami CorporationRadial jaw biopsy forcepsCN102670280A *Feb 24, 2012Sep 19, 2012厄比电子医学有限责任公司Amann tobias [de]; heim martina [de]; kuehner ralf [de]; schmidt steffanie [de]CN102670280B *Feb 24, 2012Sep 16, 2015厄比电子医学有限责任公司具有改善的操作性能的手术器械CN104582604A *May 19, 2013Apr 29, 2015斯卡尔帕勒有限责任公司外科器械DE9016261U1 *Nov 29, 1990Feb 21, 1991Kretz, Walter, 7527 Kraichtal, DeTitle not availableDE10324844A1 *Jun 2, 2003Dec 23, 2004Tuebingen Scientific Surgical Products GmbhChirurgisches Instrument mit Instrumentengriff und NullpunkteinstellungEP0534303A2 *Sep 16, 1992Mar 31, 1993United States Surgical CorporationA handle for surgical instrumentsEP0534303A3 *Sep 16, 1992Apr 21, 1993United States Surgical CorporationA handle for surgical instrumentsEP0582295A3 *Aug 4, 1993May 18, 1994United States Surgical CorpArticulating endoscopic surgical apparatusEP0596213A1 *Sep 2, 1993May 11, 1994United States Surgical CorporationSurgical clamp apparatusEP0646356A2 *Sep 29, 1994Apr 5, 1995Ethicon Inc.Articulable socket joint assembly for an endoscopic instrument and surgical fastener track thereforEP0646356A3 *Sep 29, 1994Jul 12, 1995Ethicon IncArticulable socket joint assembly for an endoscopic instrument and surgical fastener track therefor.EP1842500A3 *Mar 21, 2007Nov 21, 2007Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Instrument for endoscopeEP2502573A3 *Jul 25, 2006Oct 21, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.A method for manufacturing an end effector of a surgical deviceEP2502574A3 *Jul 25, 2006Feb 17, 2016Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.A method for manufacturing an end effector of a surgical deviceEP2522281A3 *Jul 25, 2006Sep 9, 2015Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Medical deviceWO1993001754A1 *Jul 9, 1992Feb 4, 1993Davinci Medical, Inc.Surgical instrument actuatorWO1993007816A1 *Sep 30, 1992Apr 29, 1993Implemed, Inc.Generic endoscopic instrumentWO1993015663A1 *Feb 2, 1993Aug 19, 1993Symbiosis CorporationEndoscopic surgical instruments having stepped rotatable end effectorsWO1993016644A1 *Feb 18, 1993Sep 2, 1993Habley Medical Technology CorporationEndoscopic surgical instrument with rotary end-effect elementWO1994008524A1 *Oct 8, 1993Apr 28, 1994Hemostatix CorporationElectrosurgical instruments having a detachable working endWO1994027510A1 *May 16, 1994Dec 8, 1994Snowden-Pencer, Inc.Improved surgical instrument handleWO1995014435A1 *Nov 18, 1994Jun 1, 1995Brimfield Precision IncorporatedEndocospic surgical instrumentWO1997041783A1 *May 7, 1997Nov 13, 1997Karl Storz Gmbh & Co.Instrument with a bendable handleWO1998022030A1 *Nov 5, 1997May 28, 1998University Of MassachusettsSystems, methods, and instruments for minimally invasive surgeryWO2003051218A1 *Dec 10, 2002Jun 26, 2003Medtronic,Inc.Apparatus and method for performing surgery on a patientWO2003101316A1 *May 15, 2003Dec 11, 2003University Of DundeeMedical instrumentWO2010013059A1Jul 31, 2009Feb 4, 2010Surgical Innovations LimitedEndoscopic surgical instrumentWO2011092692A3 *Jan 26, 2011Sep 22, 2011Novolap Medical Ltd.Articulating medical instrumentWO2013175463A2 *May 19, 2013Nov 28, 2013Scalpal LlcSurgical instrumentWO2013175463A3 *May 19, 2013Feb 27, 2014Scalpal LlcSurgical instrument* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/113, 606/205, 606/174, 81/177.75, 30/251International ClassificationA61B17/128, A61B17/32, A61B19/00, A61B18/14, A61B17/28Cooperative ClassificationA61B2017/2905, A61B2017/2908, A61B2090/306, A61B2017/2927, A61B2017/00738, A61B2017/2837, A61B17/2833, A61B17/1285, A61B17/320016, A61B2017/291, A61B18/1442European ClassificationA61B17/32E, A61B17/28D6Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionMar 29, 1994REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedAug 21, 1994LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesNov 1, 1994FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 19940824RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services