Most cited inventors
Frank J Viola
Over 50 years of experience in Research & Development of automotive, medical, military, and industrial products. More than 40 of these years were in the management of R&D activities, including product and manufacturing engineering.
Mr. Viola is highly creative in the application of unique mechanisms, to develop products with unusual abilities, at a minimal cost. He established an R & D Department to develop new products for five divisions, nationwide. The projects included product development, manufacturing engineering, tool design, quality functions, industrial engineering and plant layout.
Most cited patents:
2,014 citations – Surgical stapler.
This device not only applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue but also creates a precise incision between the staple rows, all during endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedures. It can also fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples, providing even greater versatility. Surgeons can confidently choose the right loading unit for their specific surgical needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.
In summary, this innovative surgical device brings flexibility and precision to the operating room.
1,899 citations – Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display.
This apparatus features a first jaw and a second jaw, forming a clamp that securely holds body tissue in the desired location for a precise stapling operation. Its clamp and stapling mechanism work in harmony, while the controller’s delay ensures optimal tissue compression for consistent staple formation. With the indicator providing feedback and displaying compression time, surgeons can navigate procedures with confidence and achieve remarkable surgical outcomes.
Chester O Baxter, III
Creative medical device designer with 20 years of experience in innovation and product development has proven successful in transitioning idea concepts to clinical use.
Product Designer focusing on unmet needs in medical devices as used in surgery.
The primary focus is on new concept origination, design, development, prototyping, dimensional analysis, intellectual property strategy and execution.
Most cited patents:
1,847 citations – Lockout arrangement for a surgical stapler.
This surgical stapling instrument prioritizes both precision and safety. The latch securely holds the jaw members together, while the lock mechanism prevents premature movement of the cutting member. Surgeons can confidently operate knowing that the cutting action will only be enabled once the latch is fully closed.
1,815 citations – Selectively orientable implantable fastener cartridge.
A fastener cartridge designed to securely fasten tissue during surgical procedures.
Here’s how it works: The fastener cartridge is positioned in the first jaw of a surgical fastening device, opposite the second jaw or anvil. When engaged with the fastener cartridge, the anvil compresses, collapses, or crushes the cartridge body, activating the deployment of the fasteners contained within. As the fasteners deform or deploy, they capture a portion of both the cartridge body and the tissue being fastened, creating a secure and reliable connection.
In summary, this innovative fastener cartridge revolutionizes tissue fastening in surgical procedures. Its unique compressible and collapsible body, combined with embedded fasteners, ensures secure and effective tissue fastening. The selective insertion capabilities of the cartridge and the first jaw add a new level of versatility and customization to the surgical process.
Jason L Harris
Engineering Fellow at Ethicon, Inc.
A customer-focused, technical leader who has demonstrated excellence in novel therapy development by consistently delivering solutions that promote superior patient outcomes and business results through innovative designs focused on less invasive, less costly means.
Most cited patents:
1,387 citations – Surgical instruments with electrodes.

This innovative end-effector assembly for surgical instruments comprises movable jaws, a removable staple, and an electrically-conductive driver. It allows for precise and flexible surgical procedures. The driver smoothly moves the staple between a stored position and a deployed position within the tissue. What makes it truly remarkable is the inclusion of an electrode within the staple, enabling enhanced surgical techniques.
1,385 citations – Surgical instruments with electrodes.
A surgical stapling assembly designed to create a unique arcuate tissue seal.
With its dual-face end-effector, removable staple, and electrodes, surgeons can create a tissue seal with an arcuate shape. The distinct polarities of the electrodes add an extra layer of precision and control.