US Patent No: 5,531,744

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Alternative current pathways for bipolar surgical cutting tool

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

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Abstract

A bipolar electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element movable along a cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through one or more energy delivering electrodes associated with a tissue affecting portion of the tool to tissue adjacent the electrodes. One or more additional electrodes, such as return electrodes, form a second pole of the bipolar electrical connection are also associated with the tissue affecting portion and are electrically isolated from the energy delivering electrode. Various combinations of electrically conductive and electrically isolated elements associated with the tissue affecting portion of the device can be used as the two poles of the bipolar system.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.CINCINNATI, OH1300
MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.TAUNTON, MA18

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Kuhns, Jesse J Cincinnati, OH 40 2691
Madden, Martin Plainsboro, NJ 7 2447
Mersch, Steven H Germantown, OH 30 2940
Nardella, Paul C Wareham, MA 27 5150
Nuchols, Richard P Loveland, OH 33 4821
Yates, David C West Chester, OH 99 8716

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
CONCEPT, INC. (2)
4,202,337 Bipolar electrosurgical knife 252 1977
4,228,800 Bipolar electrosurgical knife 261 1978
 
CIMARRON INSTRUMENTS, INC. (1)
4,334,539 Electrosurgical generator control apparatus 100 1980
 
ETHICON, INC. (1)
5,403,312 Electrosurgical hemostatic device 748 1993
 
EVERST MEDICAL CORPORATION (1)
4,674,498 Electro cautery surgical blade 78 1985
 
INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES (IRELAND) LTD. (1)
4,931,047 Method and apparatus for providing enhanced tissue fragmentation and/or hemostasis 472 1987
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD. (1)
5,389,098 Surgical device for stapling and/or fastening body tissues 398 1993
 
OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH (1)
4,655,216 Combination instrument for laparoscopical tube sterilization 283 1985
 
PROBLEMNAYA NAUCHNO-ISSLEDOVATELSKAYA LABORATORIA VCPOMOGATELNOGO KROVOOBRASCHENIA, USSR, BLAGOVESCHENSK (1)
4,784,137 Surgical suturing instrument 300 1987
 
RADIONICS, INC. (1)
4,353,371 Longitudinally, side-biting, bipolar coagulating, surgical instrument 121 1980
 
RESEARCH CORPORATION (1)
4,534,347 Microwave coagulating scalpel 77 1983
 
SC ACQUISITION CORP., NO. 1, A NEVADA CORP. (1)
4,712,544 Electrosurgical generator 70 1986
 
ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY (1)
5,013,312 Bipolar scalpel for harvesting internal mammary artery 276 1990
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (1)
4,651,734 Electrosurgical device for both mechanical cutting and coagulation of bleeding 84 1985
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (1)
4,815,465 Dissector device 11 1988

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
COVIDIEN LP (152)
6,986,451 Surgical stapler 186 2000
8,292,888 Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device 0 2002
8,281,973 Surgical stapling device 0 2002
7,032,799 Surgical stapling apparatus and method 158 2002
D480808 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 9 2002
7,334,717 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 48 2003
7,517,356 Surgical stapler and method 38 2003
7,431,730 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 93 2003
7,238,195 Wound closure material applicator and stapler 155 2003
7,207,471 Electrosurgical stapling apparatus 127 2003
7,726,537 Surgical stapler with universal articulation and tissue pre-clamp 42 2003
7,617,961 Tool assembly for surgical stapling device 13 2003
7,588,177 Tool assembly for surgical stapling device 51 2003
7,658,312 Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife 17 2004
7,159,750 Surgical stapling device 202 2004
7,296,722 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection 8 2004
7,455,682 Structure containing wound treatment material 18 2005
7,780,055 Loading unit having drive assembly locking mechanism 20 2005
7,744,628 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 2 2005
7,608,073 Energy based partial circumferential hemorrhoid repair device 2 2005
7,326,232 Surgical stapling apparatus and method 5 2006
7,188,758 Surgical stapling apparatus and method 131 2006
8,062,236 Method and system to determine an optimal tissue compression time to implant a surgical element 0 2006
7,717,312 Surgical instruments employing sensors 55 2006
7,464,847 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 101 2006
7,461,767 Battery powered surgical instrument 83 2006
7,721,935 Surgical stapling device 0 2006
7,845,535 Surgical instrument having a plastic surface 1 2006
7,637,410 Surgical instrument including a locking assembly 11 2006
8,033,438 Surgical stapling device 0 2006
7,951,149 Ablative material for use with tissue treatment device 11 2006
7,766,910 Vessel sealer and divider for large tissue structures 20 2006
7,740,160 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 2 2006
7,424,965 Surgical stapling device 101 2007
7,631,793 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 76 2007
D649249 End effectors of an elongated dissecting and dividing instrument 5 2007
D575395 Hemostat style elongated dissecting and dividing instrument 88 2007
7,559,453 Electrosurgical stapling apparatus 12 2007
7,571,845 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 11 2007
8,267,935 Electrosurgical instrument reducing current densities at an insulator conductor junction 0 2007
8,066,166 Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip 1 2007
7,950,560 Powered surgical instrument 37 2007
7,823,760 Powered surgical stapling device platform 4 2007
7,931,660 Powered tacker instrument 2 2007
8,070,746 Radiofrequency fusion of cardiac tissue 3 2007
D575401 Vessel sealer 96 2007
7,597,230 Surgical stapling device 9 2007
7,494,039 Surgical stapling device 114 2007
7,584,880 Surgical stapling device 9 2007
7,543,729 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection 12 2007
7,942,300 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 0 2008
7,934,628 Surgical stapling device 2 2008
7,757,925 Battery powered surgical instrument 3 2008
7,631,794 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 9 2008
7,770,774 Surgical stapler 33 2008
7,690,547 Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device 7 2008
7,635,073 Surgical stapler and method 23 2008
7,942,303 Knife lockout mechanisms for surgical instrument 16 2008
7,789,283 Knife/firing rod connection for surgical instrument 0 2008
7,870,989 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 34 2008
8,257,387 Method of transferring pressure in an articulating surgical instrument 2 2008
8,162,973 Method of transferring pressure in an articulating surgical instrument 5 2008
7,866,525 Surgical instrument having a plastic surface 0 2008
8,317,787 Tissue fusion jaw angle improvement 0 2008
7,624,902 Surgical stapling apparatus 38 2008
8,241,282 Vessel sealing cutting assemblies 2 2008
7,648,055 Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation 18 2008
8,221,416 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps with thermoplastic clevis 1 2008
8,303,582 Electrosurgical instrument having a coated electrode utilizing an atomic layer deposition technique 0 2008
8,241,283 Dual durometer insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps 1 2008
7,877,852 Method of manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue 5 2008
7,877,853 Method of manufacturing end effector assembly for sealing tissue 8 2008
8,267,936 Insulating mechanically-interfaced adhesive for electrosurgical forceps 1 2008
8,251,996 Insulating sheath for electrosurgical forceps 1 2008
8,235,992 Insulating boot with mechanical reinforcement for electrosurgical forceps 1 2008
8,236,025 Silicone insulated electrosurgical forceps 1 2008
7,896,214 Tissue stop for surgical instrument 3 2008
8,235,993 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps with exohinged structure 1 2008
8,142,473 Method of transferring rotational motion in an articulating surgical instrument 7 2008
7,909,221 Battery powered surgical instrument 39 2008
8,016,827 Apparatus, system, and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure 9 2008
7,922,063 Powered surgical instrument 38 2008
7,699,204 Structure containing wound treatment material 53 2008
7,954,685 Articulation and firing force mechanisms 1 2008
7,793,814 Surgical stapling device 1 2008
8,197,479 Vessel sealer and divider 4 2008
7,699,205 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection 4 2009
8,216,236 Electrosurgical stapling apparatus 0 2009
8,298,232 Endoscopic vessel sealer and divider for large tissue structures 0 2009
8,127,976 Stapler cartridge and channel interlock 0 2009
8,132,706 Surgical stapling apparatus having articulation mechanism 0 2009
7,762,445 Electrosurgical stapling apparatus 3 2009
7,891,534 Surgical stapling device 0 2009
7,819,896 Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device 1 2009
8,136,711 Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument 3 2009
8,061,576 Surgical instrument 2 2009
7,857,184 Tool assembly for surgical stapling device 0 2009
8,074,861 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 1 2009
8,413,869 Surgical stapler and method 0 2009
7,913,893 Surgical stapler 4 2009
7,845,534 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 37 2009
8,006,887 Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation 3 2010
8,066,169 Structure containing wound treatment material 2 2010
8,011,552 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection 1 2010
8,033,440 Surgical stapling device 1 2010
8,348,127 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 0 2010
8,002,795 Surgical instruments employing sensors 39 2010
8,118,207 Surgical stapling device 0 2010
8,074,862 Knife/firing rod connection for surgical instrument 0 2010
8,286,850 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 0 2010
8,342,378 One handed stapler 0 2010
8,167,186 Surgical stapling device 0 2010
8,388,652 Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly 0 2010
8,091,754 Surgical fastener applying apparatus 0 2010
8,418,907 Surgical stapler having cartridge with adjustable cam mechanism 0 2010
8,061,577 Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device 1 2010
8,091,753 Surgical stapling device 0 2010
8,308,041 Staple formed over the wire wound closure procedure 0 2010
8,215,532 Tissue stop for surgical instrument 0 2010
8,123,103 Adaptor for anvil delivery 16 2010
8,191,752 Surgical instrument having a plastic surface 0 2010
8,052,024 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 1 2010
8,245,900 Surgical instrument having a plastic surface 0 2010
8,132,705 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 0 2010
8,267,924 Powered surgical instrument 0 2011
8,113,408 Surgical stapling device 1 2011
8,201,721 Powered surgical instrument 0 2011
8,348,125 Battery powered surgical instrument 0 2011
8,328,823 Powered tacker instrument 0 2011
8,015,976 Knife lockout mechanisms for surgical instrument 0 2011
8,292,148 Articulation and firing force mechanisms 0 2011
8,092,493 Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation 2 2011
8,181,839 Surgical instruments employing sensors 0 2011
8,292,149 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection 0 2011
8,162,197 Surgical stapler 1 2011
8,276,594 Knife lockout mechanisms for surgical instrument 0 2011
8,286,848 Surgical stapling device 0 2011
8,424,739 Surgical stapling device with independent tip rotation 0 2011
8,408,442 Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device 0 2011
8,235,274 Surgical instrument 1 2011
8,157,150 Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display 0 2011
8,403,197 Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife 0 2011
8,322,588 Structure containing wound treatment material 0 2011
8,328,065 Knife/firing rod connection for surgical instrument 0 2011
8,425,504 Radiofrequency fusion of cardiac tissue 0 2011
8,240,537 Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation 1 2011
8,292,151 Tool assembly for surgical stapling device 0 2011
8,418,904 Surgical stapling device 0 2012
8,365,974 Surgical stapling device 0 2012
8,403,196 Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument 0 2012
8,413,868 Surgical instrument 0 2012
8,419,768 Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation 0 2012
 
COVIDIEN AG (102)
6,187,003 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels 219 1997
6,050,996 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument with replaceable electrodes 225 1997
6,228,083 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 165 1997
6,277,117 Open vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes 231 1998
6,511,480 Open vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes 189 1999
6,451,018 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 178 2000
6,585,735 Endoscopic bipolar electrosurgical forceps 178 2000
6,458,130 Endoscopic bipolar electrosurgical forceps 243 2001
7,582,087 Vessel sealing instrument 16 2001
7,118,570 Vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes 120 2001
7,103,947 Molded insulating hinge for bipolar instruments 117 2002
7,083,618 Vessel sealer and divider 175 2002
7,101,371 Vessel sealer and divider 160 2002
6,960,210 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 131 2002
6,682,528 Endoscopic bipolar electrosurgical forceps 219 2002
7,267,677 Vessel sealing instrument 112 2002
7,776,036 Bipolar concentric electrode assembly for soft tissue fusion 9 2003
7,597,693 Vessel sealer and divider for use with small trocars and cannulas 16 2003
7,156,846 Vessel sealer and divider for use with small trocars and cannulas 146 2003
7,799,026 Compressible jaw configuration with bipolar RF output electrodes for soft tissue fusion 13 2003
7,442,193 Electrically conductive/insulative over-shoe for tissue fusion 66 2003
7,179,258 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels 114 2004
7,160,299 Method of fusing biomaterials with radiofrequency energy 151 2004
7,753,909 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces thermal damage to adjacent tissue 9 2004
7,147,638 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces thermal damage to adjacent tissue 168 2004
7,491,201 Tissue sealer with non-conductive variable stop members and method of sealing tissue 101 2004
7,252,667 Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism and distal lockout 113 2004
7,887,535 Vessel sealing wave jaw 5 2004
7,276,068 Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism 110 2004
7,150,749 Vessel sealer and divider having elongated knife stroke and safety cutting mechanism 117 2004
7,811,283 Open vessel sealing instrument with hourglass cutting mechanism and over-ratchet safety 11 2004
D567943 Over-ratchet safety for a vessel sealing instrument 82 2004
7,232,440 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 123 2004
7,367,976 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 104 2004
7,131,970 Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism 121 2004
7,510,556 Vessel sealing instrument 68 2004
7,491,202 Electrosurgical forceps with slow closure sealing plates and method of sealing tissue 71 2005
7,377,920 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 68 2005
7,207,990 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 107 2005
7,837,685 Switch mechanisms for safe activation of energy on an electrosurgical instrument 8 2005
7,708,735 Incorporating rapid cooling in tissue fusion heating processes 9 2005
7,628,791 Single action tissue sealer 17 2005
7,540,872 Articulating bipolar electrosurgical instrument 94 2005
7,955,332 Mechanism for dividing tissue in a hemostat-style instrument 5 2005
7,628,792 Bilateral foot jaws 15 2005
7,500,975 Spring loaded reciprocating tissue cutting mechanism in a forceps-style electrosurgical instrument 74 2005
7,686,827 Magnetic closure mechanism for hemostat 10 2005
7,594,916 Electrosurgical forceps with energy based tissue division 16 2005
7,329,256 Vessel sealing instrument 117 2005
7,686,804 Vessel sealer and divider with rotating sealer and cutter 14 2006
7,909,823 Open vessel sealing instrument 7 2006
7,771,425 Vessel sealer and divider having a variable jaw clamping mechanism 12 2006
7,131,971 Vessel sealer and divider 111 2006
7,641,653 Open vessel sealing forceps disposable handswitch 11 2006
7,846,158 Apparatus and method for electrode thermosurgery 6 2006
7,270,664 Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism 111 2006
8,128,624 Electrosurgical instrument that directs energy delivery and protects adjacent tissue 2 2006
7,776,037 System and method for controlling electrode gap during tissue sealing 12 2006
7,744,615 Apparatus and method for transecting tissue on a bipolar vessel sealing instrument 27 2006
7,255,697 Vessel sealer and divider 111 2006
7,922,953 Method for manufacturing an end effector assembly 6 2006
7,846,161 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps 9 2006
7,819,872 Flexible endoscopic catheter with ligasure 8 2006
7,789,878 In-line vessel sealer and divider 12 2006
7,922,718 Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism 8 2006
7,879,035 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps 6 2006
7,722,607 In-line vessel sealer and divider 14 2006
7,857,812 Vessel sealer and divider having elongated knife stroke and safety for cutting mechanism 8 2006
7,655,007 Method of fusing biomaterials with radiofrequency energy 13 2006
7,935,052 Forceps with spring loaded end effector assembly 6 2007
7,931,649 Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism 11 2007
8,211,105 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue 1 2007
7,481,810 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 78 2007
7,445,621 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 71 2007
7,442,194 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 72 2007
7,963,965 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels 4 2007
8,192,433 Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism 1 2007
7,553,312 Vessel sealing instrument 70 2007
7,513,898 Vessel sealing instrument 74 2008
7,828,798 Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument 12 2008
8,123,743 Mechanism for dividing tissue in a hemostat-style instrument 2 2008
8,361,071 Vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes 0 2008
8,298,228 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue 0 2008
7,799,028 Articulating bipolar electrosurgical instrument 12 2008
8,241,284 Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members 1 2009
8,382,754 Electrosurgical forceps with slow closure sealing plates and method of sealing tissue 0 2009
8,303,586 Spring loaded reciprocating tissue cutting mechanism in a forceps-style electrosurgical instrument 0 2009
7,896,878 Vessel sealing instrument 6 2009
7,947,041 Vessel sealing instrument 5 2009
7,887,536 Vessel sealing instrument 11 2009
8,277,447 Single action tissue sealer 3 2009
7,951,150 Vessel sealer and divider with rotating sealer and cutter 7 2010
8,348,948 Vessel sealing system using capacitive RF dielectric heating 0 2010
8,257,352 Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension 1 2010
8,034,052 Apparatus and method for electrode thermosurgery 0 2010
8,361,072 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps 0 2010
8,394,095 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps 0 2011
8,147,489 Open vessel sealing instrument 3 2011
8,197,633 Method for manufacturing an end effector assembly 1 2011
8,394,096 Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism 0 2011
8,366,709 Articulating bipolar electrosurgical instrument 0 2011
8,333,765 Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism 0 2012
 
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. (40)
5,797,941 Surgical instrument with expandable cutting element 164 1997
6,773,409 Surgical system for applying ultrasonic energy to tissue 116 2001
6,929,644 Electrosurgical jaw structure for controlled energy delivery 212 2001
6,913,579 Electrosurgical working end and method for obtaining tissue samples for biopsy 42 2002
7,083,619 Electrosurgical instrument and method of use 124 2002
6,802,843 Electrosurgical working end with resistive gradient electrodes 177 2002
6,926,716 Electrosurgical instrument 203 2002
7,011,657 Jaw structure for electrosurgical instrument and method of use 142 2003
7,112,201 Electrosurgical instrument and method of use 38 2003
7,041,102 Electrosurgical working end with replaceable cartridges 197 2003
6,905,497 Jaw structure for electrosurgical instrument 87 2003
7,070,597 Electrosurgical working end for controlled energy delivery 130 2003
7,087,054 Electrosurgical instrument and method of use 124 2003
7,169,146 Electrosurgical probe and method of use 142 2004
7,189,233 Electrosurgical instrument 29 2004
7,354,440 Electrosurgical instrument and method of use 30 2004
7,309,849 Polymer compositions exhibiting a PTC property and methods of fabrication 23 2004
7,632,269 Electrosurgical instrument with replaceable cartridge 2 2005
7,955,331 Electrosurgical instrument and method of use 4 2005
7,186,253 Electrosurgical jaw structure for controlled energy delivery 24 2005
8,075,558 Electrosurgical instrument and method 2 2005
8,186,555 Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with mechanical closure system 3 2006
8,365,976 Surgical staples having dissolvable, bioabsorbable or biofragmentable portions and stapling instruments for deploying the same 0 2006
8,360,297 Surgical cutting and stapling instrument with self adjusting anvil 0 2006
8,348,131 Surgical stapling instrument with mechanical indicator to show levels of tissue compression 0 2006
7,381,209 Electrosurgical instrument 23 2007
8,317,070 Surgical stapling devices that produce formed staples having different lengths 0 2007
7,981,113 Electrosurgical instrument 3 2008
8,161,977 Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument 6 2008
8,397,971 Sterilizable surgical instrument 0 2009
8,186,560 Surgical stapling systems and staple cartridges for deploying surgical staples with tissue compression features 4 2009
8,414,577 Surgical instruments and components for use in sterile environments 0 2009
8,196,795 Disposable motor-driven loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus 3 2010
8,424,740 Surgical instrument having a directional switching mechanism 0 2010
8,167,185 Surgical instrument having recording capabilities 6 2010
8,196,796 Shaft based rotary drive system for surgical instruments 5 2011
8,172,124 Surgical instrument having recording capabilities 7 2011
8,157,153 Surgical instrument with force-feedback capabilities 7 2011
8,113,410 Surgical stapling apparatus with control features 9 2011
8,292,155 Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with tactile position feedback 3 2011
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG (31)
6,267,761 Apparatus and method for sealing and cutting tissue 239 1997
D425201 Disposable electrode assembly 181 1998
6,152,923 Multi-contact forceps and method of sealing, coagulating, cauterizing and/or cutting vessels and tissue 202 1999
6,334,861 Biopolar instrument for vessel sealing 192 1999
6,887,240 Vessel sealing wave jaw 124 1999
7,435,249 Electrosurgical instruments which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue 66 2001
7,160,298 Electrosurgical instrument which reduces effects to adjacent tissue structures 110 2001
7,135,020 Electrosurgical instrument reducing flashover 107 2001
7,118,587 Vessel sealer and divider 159 2001
7,101,372 Vessel sealer and divider 152 2001
7,101,373 Vessel sealer and divider 160 2001
D457958 Vessel sealer and divider 246 2001
D457959 Vessel sealer 173 2001
7,090,673 Vessel sealer and divider 205 2002
6,726,686 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels 133 2002
D499181 Handle for a vessel sealer and divider 181 2003
7,150,097 Method of manufacturing jaw assembly for vessel sealer and divider 142 2003
7,033,354 Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating 114 2003
7,241,296 Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels 114 2003
D541938 Open vessel sealer with mechanical cutter 133 2004
7,384,420 Vessel sealer and divider 73 2004
D533942 Open vessel sealer with mechanical cutter 133 2004
7,195,631 Forceps with spring loaded end effector assembly 137 2004
D541418 Lung sealing device 144 2004
D535027 Low profile vessel sealing and cutting mechanism 153 2004
D531311 Pistol grip style elongated dissecting and dividing instrument 142 2004
D525361 Hemostat style elongated dissecting and dividing instrument 139 2004
D564662 Hourglass-shaped knife for electrosurgical forceps 126 2004
7,384,421 Slide-activated cutting assembly 69 2005
7,223,265 Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating 105 2006
7,458,972 Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating 69 2007
 
ATRICURE, INC. (20)
6,546,935 Method for transmural ablation 92 2000
6,517,536 Transmural ablation device and method 145 2001
7,604,634 Transmural ablation device 0 2001
7,113,831 Transmural ablation device 15 2001
7,001,415 Transmural ablation device 19 2001
6,974,454 Transmural ablation device with thermocouple for measuring tissue temperature 36 2001
6,923,806 Transmural ablation device with spring loaded jaws 29 2001
6,899,710 Combination ablation and visualization apparatus for ablating cardiac tissue 28 2001
6,889,694 Transmural ablation device 34 2001
6,905,498 Transmural ablation device with EKG sensor and pacing electrode 31 2002
7,291,161 Articulated clamping member 10 2002
7,241,292 Cardiac ablation device with movable hinge 8 2002
6,896,673 Method for transmural ablation 33 2002
7,288,092 Method and apparatus for ablating cardiac tissue with guide facility 3 2004
7,393,353 Transmural ablation device with temperature sensor 1 2004
7,487,780 Sub-xyphoid method for ablating cardiac tissue 67 2004
7,468,061 Transmural ablation device with integral EKG sensor 0 2004
6,984,233 Transmural ablation device with parallel electrodes 12 2004
7,530,980 Bipolar transmural ablation method and apparatus 1 2005
7,543,589 Method for ablating cardiac tissue 0 2007
 
GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED (20)
6,293,942 Electrosurgical generator method 213 1996
6,015,406 Electrosurgical instrument 197 1996
6,004,319 Electrosurgical instrument 230 1996
6,027,501 Electrosurgical instrument 205 1996
6,013,076 Electrosurgical instrument 148 1996
5,944,715 Electrosurgical instrument 239 1996
6,093,186 Electrosurgical generator and system 227 1997
6,416,509 Electrosurgical generator and system 196 1998
6,090,106 Electrosurgical instrument 165 1998
6,056,746 Electrosurgical instrument 239 1998
6,364,877 Electrosurgical generator and system 155 1998
6,306,134 Electrosurgical generator and system 216 1998
6,261,286 Electrosurgical generator and system 187 1998
6,210,405 Under water treatment 51 1998
6,277,114 Electrode assembly for an electrosurical instrument 47 1999
6,174,308 Electrosurgical instrument 52 1999
6,234,178 Electrosurgical instrument 85 1999
6,780,180 Electrosurgical instrument 113 2000
6,565,561 Electrosurgical instrument 17 2000
6,482,202 Under water treatment 45 2001
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP (12)
7,044,353 Surgical stapler 208 2004
7,128,253 Surgical stapler 224 2005
RE40514 Surgical stapler 5 2005
7,258,262 Surgical stapler 160 2006
7,225,964 Surgical stapler 157 2006
7,278,562 Surgical stapler 108 2006
7,308,998 Surgical stapler 51 2007
7,891,532 Surgical stapler 1 2008
8,066,168 Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife 1 2010
8,011,553 Surgical stapler 3 2010
8,056,788 Surgical stapler 1 2011
8,272,553 Surgical stapler 0 2012
 
MEDTRONIC, INC. (11)
7,967,816 Fluid-assisted electrosurgical instrument with shapeable electrode 1 2002
7,507,235 Method and system for organ positioning and stabilization 7 2002
7,470,272 Device and method for ablating tissue 30 2004
7,628,780 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 1 2004
7,566,334 Ablation device with jaws 26 2005
7,740,623 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 2 2005
7,678,111 Device and method for ablating tissue 10 2005
7,744,562 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 0 2006
7,875,028 Ablation device with jaws 0 2009
8,273,072 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 0 2009
8,162,941 Ablation device with jaws 0 2010
 
SORIN GROUP USA, INC. (11)
6,652,521 Surgical instrument with a bi-directional cutting element 193 2001
6,620,161 Electrosurgical instrument with an operational sequencing element 176 2001
6,554,829 Electrosurgical instrument with minimally invasive jaws 66 2001
6,464,702 Electrosurgical instrument with closing tube for conducting RF energy and moving jaws 169 2001
6,458,128 Electrosurgical instrument with a longitudinal element for conducting RF energy and moving a cutting element 189 2001
6,443,970 Surgical instrument with a dissecting tip 207 2001
7,063,699 Electrosurgical instrument with minimally invasive jaws 29 2001
6,790,217 Surgical instrument with a dissecting tip 136 2002
6,695,840 Electrosurgical instrument with a longitudinal element for conducting RF energy and moving a cutting element 150 2002
6,773,435 Electrosurgical instrument with closing tube for conducting RF energy and moving jaws 14 2002
7,314,479 Space-creating retractor with vessel manipulator 5 2003
 
AESCULAP AG (9)
6,123,701 Methods and systems for organ resection 165 1998
6,358,268 Surgical instrument 108 2000
6,506,208 Surgical instrument 10 2001
7,641,651 Devices and methods for mobilization of the uterus 2 2005
7,803,156 Method and apparatus for surgical electrocautery 1 2006
7,942,874 Apparatus for tissue cauterization 3 2006
7,862,565 Method for tissue cauterization 4 2006
7,794,461 Method and apparatus for surgical electrocautery 3 2009
8,419,727 Impedance mediated power delivery for electrosurgery 0 2010
 
MED-LOGICS, INC. (5)
6,358,260 Automatic corneal shaper with two separate drive mechanisms 4 1998
6,663,644 Cutting blade assembly for a microkeratome 4 2000
7,311,700 LASIK laminar flow system 0 2000
6,425,905 Method and apparatus for facilitating removal of a corneal graft 0 2000
6,702,832 Medical device for cutting a cornea that has a vacuum ring with a slitted vacuum opening 6 2002
 
ENGO CORP. (3)
5,833,643 Apparatus for performing ophthalmic procedures 23 1997
6,258,111 Apparatus and method for performing ophthalmic procedures 100 1999
6,699,285 Eye endoplant for the reattachment of a retina 2 2001
 
PERFECT SURGICAL TECHNIQUES, INC. (3)
6,030,384 Bipolar surgical instruments having focused electrical fields 166 1998
6,162,220 Bipolar surgical instruments having focused electrical fields 214 1999
6,514,252 Bipolar surgical instruments having focused electrical fields 115 2001
 
SHERWOOD SERVICES AG (3)
D449886 Forceps with disposable electrode 184 1998
6,932,810 Apparatus and method for sealing and cutting tissue 163 2001
7,270,660 Apparatus and method for sealing and cutting tissue 103 2005
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC MIAMI CORPORATION (2)
8,114,074 Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same 0 1998
8,409,197 Methods of cutting tissue using a medical instrument 0 2006
 
MICROLINE SURGICAL, INC. (2)
6,602,252 Combined dissecting, cauterizing, and stapling device 331 2002
8,303,585 Combined dissecting, cauterizing, and stapling device 0 2008
 
OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP. (2)
7,935,114 Curative treatment system, curative treatment device, and treatment method for living tissue using energy 0 2007
7,789,883 Curative treatment system, curative treatment device, and treatment method for living tissue using energy 0 2007
 
STARION INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (2)
6,821,273 Combined dissecting, cauterizing, and stapling device 112 2003
7,396,356 Combined dissecting, cauterizing, and stapling device 70 2004
 
SYMBIOSIS CORPORATION (2)
6,447,511 Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same 44 1997
7,063,697 Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same 33 2003
 
APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION (1)
7,625,370 Tissue fusion/welder apparatus and method 3 2003
 
COVIDEN IP (1)
D680220 Slider handle for laparoscopic device 0 2012
 
COVIDEN LP (1)
8,403,195 Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument 0 2012
 
ENLIGHTEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
6,428,508 Pulsed vacuum cataract removal system 3 2000
 
INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. (1)
6,086,586 Bipolar tissue grasping apparatus and tissue welding method 291 1998
 
LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (1)
6,004,341 Vascular wound closure device 87 1996
 
MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC (1)
6,699,245 Anastomosis system and related methods 12 2002
 
ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC. (1)
6,358,273 Soft tissue heating apparatus with independent, cooperative heating sources 18 1999
 
SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (1)
8,033,442 Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device 0 2007
 
TECMACHINE (1)
6,932,811 Transmural ablation device with integral EKG sensor 23 2001
 
VALLEYLAB INC. (1)
D424694 Forceps 191 1998
 
WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC. (1)
6,096,044 Template assembly for facilitating the placement of interbody fusion devices 44 1998
 
WEBROOT SOFTWARE, INC. (1)
8,348,123 Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip 0 2010
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (4)
8,459,520 Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor 0 2007
8,459,525 Motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a magnetic drive train torque limiting device 0 2008
8,459,521 Powered surgical stapling device platform 0 2010
8,454,602 Apparatus, system, and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure 0 2012