Michael L Setser

US Patent:

6959852, Nov 1, 2005

Filed:

Sep 29, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/673929

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B017/068

US Classification:

2271821, 2271751, 2271752, 227 19

Abstract:

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i. e. , staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A traction biased firing mechanism avoids binding in driving this straightened linked rack in cooperation with an anti-backup mechanism, with a lockout mechanism that prevents releasing the closure trigger during firing. Furthermore, an external indicator gives feedback to the surgeon as to how far firing has progressed, as well as providing a manual retraction capability.

US Patent:

6978921, Dec 27, 2005

Filed:

May 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/443617

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B017/072

US Classification:

2271761, 227 19, 2271801

Abstract:

A surgical severing and stapling instrument clamps, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel clot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing.

US Patent:

6988649, Jan 24, 2006

Filed:

May 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/441565

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/068

US Classification:

2271752, 227 19, 2271761, 2271801

Abstract:

A surgical instrument for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures simultaneously severs and staples tissue clamped in an end effector comprising an elongate channel, which holds a staple cartridge, and a pivotally attached anvil. An E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A lockout mechanism of the staple cartridge responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the lockout mechanism prevents firing when the staple cartridge is spent.

US Patent:

7000818, Feb 21, 2006

Filed:

May 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/441632

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US
Brian J. Hemmelgarn - Kettering OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon, Endo-Surger, Inc. - Concinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/072

US Classification:

2271761, 227 19, 2271781

Abstract:

A surgical severing and stapling instrument clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar affirmatively maintains a desired spacing while severing and stapling tissue by longitudinally engaging the anvil and elongate channel. Separate closing action and firing (i. e. , severing and stapling) action of the end effector allows a clinician to selectively position and clamp tissue. The end effector enables this advantageous separate firing while affirmatively spacing the end effector by having an upper pin of the firing bar reside within an anvil pocket before firing. When the anvil is closed and clamped, the upper pin of the E-beam firing bar may move longitudinally and distally from the anvil pocket to an anvil slot thereby engaging the anvil.

US Patent:

7044352, May 16, 2006

Filed:

May 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/441424

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/068
A61B 17/03

US Classification:

2271751, 2271752, 2271754

Abstract:

A surgical instrument for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures simultaneously severs and staples tissue clamped in an end effector comprising an elongate channel, which holds a staple cartridge, and a pivotally attached anvil. An E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A single lockout of the elongate channel responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the single lockout prevent firing when the staple cartridge is missing or spent.

US Patent:

7055731, Jun 6, 2006

Filed:

Jul 9, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/615974

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/068

US Classification:

2271761, 227 19, 2271801

Abstract:

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic articulates an end effector by having a geared articulation mechanism that converts rotational motion from a handle portion. A firing bar longitudinally translates between the handle portion and the end effector. The firing bar head is thickened in order to present an undistorted cutting edge and engagement features to the opposing jaws of the end effector. The firing bar also advantageously includes a thinned or tapered proximal portion in the form of a strip or band that negotiates the articulation mechanism.

US Patent:

7059508, Jun 13, 2006

Filed:

Jun 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/881091

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US
Douglas B. Hoffman - Harrison OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/68

US Classification:

2271752, 191761, 191801

Abstract:

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i. e. , staple and sever) the end effector. Varying the center of rotation, circumferential length, and depth of cam lobes in a cam disk that interacts with the firing trigger via a drive wedge allows optimization. In particular, mechanical advantages during specific firing strokes mitigates increased force to fire at the end effector, enabling a more uniform tactile force at the firing trigger.

US Patent:

7128254, Oct 31, 2006

Filed:

Sep 7, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/935450

Inventors:

Michael Earl Setser - Burlington KY, US
Douglas B. Hoffman - Harrison OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 17/068

US Classification:

2271811, 2271751, 227 19

Abstract:

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i. e. , staple and sever) the end effector.