Covidien LP

Covidien Ag

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Nicole McKenna

Robert H Wham

David Abraham Schechter

Rebecca J Coulson

Jennifer S Harper

Kari L Riegner

Barbara R Bastian

Roberth H Wham

Lockett E Wood

J Bruce Dunne

Geneva Wilkesanders

Karl L Riegner

A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.

Jaw closure detection system

A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.

Variable resistor jaw

An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.

System and method for tissue sealing

A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive elements of the sealing plates have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.

According to various embodiments, an endotracheal tube ventilating device with a sealing cuff includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device may be secured to the tube above the sealing cuff and extend outwardly from the tubular body. In addition, the anchoring device may be configured to be positioned completely within the hypopharynx of a patient, in contact with the piriform fossa and a laryngeal surface of the epiglottis without creating an airtight seal of the hypopharynx or the esophagus.

Supraglottic fixation device for endotracheal tubes

An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Nicole McKenna