Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc.

Ethicon, Gmbh

Sur-seal Corporation

Matthew R Otten

David A Witt

Craig B Berky

Thomas J Sierocuk

Kirk M Nicola

Steven W Hamblin

Thomas W Huitema

Warren P Williamson, Iv

Kenneth S Wales

James H Chambers

Mark Fogelberg

Edward A Rhad

Darrel M Powell

Todd J Olson

Robert G Cook

Ronald R VanOverloop

Eric Huffman

Ralph Chen

Dan Meiser

Thomas Knodell

Gary Steed

Stephen C Robinson

An endoscope comprising a lens, and an anti-fog film, wherein an optically clear adhesive bonds the anti-fog film to the lens or lens section.

Anti-fog film for an endoscope

A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.

Reloadable surgical instrument

Surgical stapling instrument with remotely articulated stapling head

Surgical instrument having staple head adapted for rib insertion

Handle actuator for surgical instrument having flexible cable

A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Cable-actuated jaw assembly for surgical instruments

Handle actuator for surgical instrument having clamp lock and emergency

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Linear stapling mechanism with cutting means

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before actuation of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism. Furthermore, the stapler mechanism contains means for obstructing the flow of insufflation gasses or bodily fluid from the surgical site through the instrument during endoscopic surgery.

Growing community of inventors

Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Matthew R Otten