United States Surgical Corporation

Covidien LP

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Peter W J Hinchliffe

Keith Ratcliff

H Jonathan Tovey

Kenneth E Toso

David A Nicholas

David M Farascioni

Charles R Sherts

Scott E Manzo

Kevin S Sniffin

Cathy Aranyi

Keith L Milliman

Lisa W Heaton

Joseph P Orban

Thomas J Dugan

Cathy Aranvi

Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electromechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electromechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

Robotic arms DLUs for performing surgical tasks

Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

A graft attachment assembly that may be easily and quickly assembled is provided. The graft attachment assembly includes an attachment member including a base portion having a convex top surface and a branch portion having a passageway therethrough. The branch portion projects outwardly from the base portion. A clamp member having a concave bottom surface is configured to sealingly engage the top surface of the base portion and an opening is dimensioned to slidably receive the branch portion. The clamp member is slidable about the branch portion to a position adjacent the base portion to clamp tissue therebetween. A locking member is slidable about the branch portion and dimensioned to secure a vessel thereabout.

Graft attachment assembly

A tissue retaining ring for use with a plurality of surgical fasteners mounted within a disposable loading unit utilized during a vascular anastomosis inlcudes a genrally circular, semi-pliable material having a series of alternating loops and arcuate portions. Each of the loops defines an aperture therein which is dimensioned to receive a distal end of one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. When the instrument is fired, the surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformed through the tissue ring and through the tissue. The tissue retaining ring holds the tissue in place along the surgical fastener and reduces the chances of tissue slippage after deformation.

Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same

Robotic arm DLUs for performing surgical tasks

Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Surgical retractor

The present application provides an arterial cannula system for transporting blood from an extracorporeal pump to a patient's femoral artery and aorta comprising first and second cannula portions. The first cannula portion has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion and is configured for insertion through the femoral artery. It includes a first lumen extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion to deliver cardioplegic fluid, a second lumen communicating with an expandable occluding member at the distal end portion to inflate the occluding member to occlude blood flow, and a third lumen extending from the proximal portion to the intermediate portion to transport blood from the extracorporeal pump to the femoral artery. The second cannula portion is configured for insertion into the subclavian artery so that an opening in the distal portion is in communication with the aorta. A lumen extending through the second cannula portion is in communication with the opening to transport blood from the extracorporeal pump to the aorta.

Catheter system

Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractable blade. A surgical instrument is provided which in engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Growing community of inventors

New Haven, CT, United States of America

Peter W J Hinchliffe