IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,213,725
Granted Patent B2
US 12,213,725 · App. 18/620,716 · Granted Feb 4, 2025

Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure

Inventors: Glenn A. Horner (Boulder, CO); James D. Allen, IV (Broomfield, CO)
Assignee: Covidien LP
A61B18/1445A61B17/29A61B17/295A61B18/085A61B2017/00398A61B2017/00539A61B2017/00544A61B2017/2902A61B2017/2936A61B2018/00589A61B2018/00595A61B2018/00601A61B2018/0063
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,213,725
App. No.
18/620,716
Granted
Feb 4, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members.

Claims (23)

1. An electrosurgical tissue sealing device, comprising:

a housing;

a shaft extending from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis;

a first jaw member and a second jaw member coupled to a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member being movable between an open position and a clamped position;

one or more cables extending through the shaft, the one or more cables configured to impart movement to at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member;

a center link coupled to a distal end of the one or more cables; and

a cam pin extending from the center link and disposed within a cam slot defined by the first jaw member or the second jaw member, wherein longitudinal movement of the one or more cables causes the cam pin to translate within the cam slot to move at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member between the open position and the clamped position.

2. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more cables comprises two cables.

3. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member includes a seal plate configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

4. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a spring configured to impart a closure force on at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member.

5. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 4 , wherein the closure force on the first jaw member and the second jaw member is in the range of about 3 kg/cm 2 to about 16 kg/cm 2 .

6. An electrosurgical tissue sealing device, comprising:

a housing;

a shaft extending from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis;

a first jaw member and a second jaw member coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the first jaw member defining a first cam slot, the second jaw member defining a second cam slot, and at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member being movable between an open position and a clamped position;

one or more elongate drive members extending from the housing through the shaft, the one or more elongate drive members configured to move longitudinally within the shaft to impart movement to at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member;

a center link coupled to a distal end of the one or more elongate drive members; and

a first cam pin and a second cam pin extending from the center link, the first cam pin being disposed within the first cam slot and the second cam pin being disposed within the second cam slot, wherein longitudinal movement of the two elongate drive members within the shaft causes the first cam pin to translate within the first cam slot and the second cam pin to translate within the second cam slot to move at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member between the open position and the clamped position.

7. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 6 , wherein the one or more elongate drive members comprises two elongate drive members.

8. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 7 , wherein the two elongate drive members are substantially parallel and spaced-apart relative to one another.

9. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 7 , wherein the two elongate drive members include cables.

10. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 6 , wherein each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member includes an electrically-conductive surface configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

11. The electrosurgical tissue sealing device according to claim 6 , wherein the first cam pin and the second cam pin extend from opposing sides of the center link.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 28, 2024
From: HORNER, GLENN A.; ALLEN, JAMES D., IV
To: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
Reel/Frame 066940/0540 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 28, 2024
From: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
To: COVIDIEN LP
Reel/Frame 066948/0322 →
Continuity (6)
Continuation 17189606 · Mar 2, 2021
Continuation 16556619 · Aug 30, 2019
Continuation 15338510 · Oct 31, 2016
Division 14083696 · Nov 19, 2013
Division 12792038 · Jun 2, 2010
Related Publication 20240238038A1 · Jul 18, 2024
References Cited (313)
US 3920021A · Hiltebrandt · 1975 [cited by applicant]
US 4005714A · Hiltebrandt · 1977 [cited by applicant]
US D263020S · Rau, III · 1982 [cited by applicant]
US D295893S · Sharkany et al. · 1988 [cited by applicant]
US D295894S · Sharkany et al. · 1988 [cited by applicant]
US 4819633A · Bauer et al. · 1989 [cited by applicant]
US 5133727A · Bales et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]
US 5238002A · Devlin et al. · 1993 [cited by applicant]
US 5241968A · Slater · 1993 [cited by applicant]
US 5250056A · Hasson · 1993 [cited by applicant]
US D348930S · Olson · 1994 [cited by applicant]
US 5383888A · Zvenyatsky · 1995 [cited by examiner]
US 5419339A · Palmer · 1995 [cited by applicant]
US 5454378A · Palmer et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]
US 5535754A · Doherty · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US 5582617A · Klieman et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]
US D384413S · Zlock et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5666965A · Bales et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]
US 5810876A · Kelleher · 1998 [cited by applicant]
US D424694S · Tetzlaff et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US D425201S · Tetzlaff et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6083150A · Aznoian et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6106543A · Esser · 2000 [cited by applicant]
US 6264617B1 · Bales · 2001 [cited by examiner]
US D449886S · Tetzlaff et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US D457958S · Dycus et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US D457959S · Tetzlaff et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]
US 6527785B2 · Sancoff et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6767349B2 · Ouchi · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US D493888S · Reschke · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US D496997S · Dycus et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US D499181S · Dycus et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US D509297S · Wells · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US D525361S · Hushka · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US D531311S · Guerra et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US D533942S · Kerr et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US D535027S · James et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US D541418S · Schechter et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US D541938S · Kerr et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US D564662S · Moses et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US D567943S · Moses et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US D575395S · Hushka · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US D575401S · Hixson et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7749222B2 · Lu et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7766910B2 · Hixson et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 7887536B2 · Johnson et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 7918848B2 · Lau et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 7947041B2 · Tetzlaff et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 7951150B2 · Johnson et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8016827B2 · Chojin · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8112871B2 · Brandt et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8114122B2 · Nau, Jr. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8133254B2 · Dumbauld et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8162965B2 · Reschke et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8187273B2 · Kerr et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8192444B2 · Dycus · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8226650B2 · Kerr · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8241284B2 · Dycus et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8246618B2 · Bucciaglia et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8251994B2 · McKenna et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8266783B2 · Brandt et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8277446B2 · Heard · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8277447B2 · Garrison et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8282634B2 · Cunningham et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8287536B2 · Mueller et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8292886B2 · Kerr et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8298232B2 · Unger · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8303586B2 · Cunningham et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8323310B2 · Kingsley · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8328803B2 · Regadas · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8343150B2 · Artale · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8343151B2 · Siebrecht et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8357158B2 · McKenna et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8357159B2 · Romero · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8382754B2 · Odom et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8382792B2 · Chojin · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8388647B2 · Nau, Jr. et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8425511B2 · Olson · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8430876B2 · Kappus et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8439911B2 · Mueller · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8469957B2 · Roy · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8480671B2 · Mueller · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8486107B2 · Hinton · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8491625B2 · Horner · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8496656B2 · Shields et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8512371B2 · Kerr et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8556929B2 · Harper et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8568412B2 · Brandt et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8585736B2 · Horner et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8623017B2 · Moses et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8623276B2 · Schmaltz et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8632539B2 · Twomey et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8632564B2 · Cunningham · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8636761B2 · Cunningham et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 9480522B2 · Horner et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 10166037B2 · Frings · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10426544B2 · Horner et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20030229344A1 · Dycus · 2003 [cited by examiner]
US 20050165429A1 · Douglas · 2005 [cited by examiner]
US 20050216036A1 · Nakao · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 20060190034A1 · Nishizawa et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060217697A1 · Lau et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20060235368A1 · Oz · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20070173814A1 · Hixson et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070260242A1 · Dycus et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20090112206A1 · Dumbauld et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090198233A1 · Chojin · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20090204114A1 · Odom · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20100069953A1 · Cunningham et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100094271A1 · Ward et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100130971A1 · Baily · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100179543A1 · Johnson et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100249769A1 · Nau, Jr. et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20100280511A1 · Rachlin et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20110034918A1 · Reschke · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110046623A1 · Reschke · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110054468A1 · Dycus · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110054471A1 · Gerhardt et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110060335A1 · Harper et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110071523A1 · Dickhans · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110073594A1 · Bonn · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110077648A1 · Lee et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110118736A1 · Harper et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110190765A1 · Chojin · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110193608A1 · Krapohl · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20110251605A1 · Hoarau et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
DE 2415263A1 · 1975 [cited by applicant]
DE 02514501A1 · 1976 [cited by applicant]
DE 2627679A1 · 1977 [cited by applicant]
DE 03423356C2 · 1986 [cited by applicant]
DE 03612646A1 · 1987 [cited by applicant]
DE 8712328U1 · 1988 [cited by applicant]
DE 4303882C2 · 1995 [cited by applicant]
DE 4403252A1 · 1995 [cited by applicant]
DE 19515914C1 · 1996 [cited by applicant]
DE 19506363A1 · 1996 [cited by applicant]
DE 29616210U1 · 1996 [cited by applicant]
DE 19608716C1 · 1997 [cited by applicant]
DE 19751106A1 · 1998 [cited by applicant]
DE 19738457A1 · 1999 [cited by applicant]
DE 19751108A1 · 1999 [cited by applicant]
DE 10045375A1 · 2002 [cited by applicant]
DE 20121161U1 · 2002 [cited by applicant]
DE 202007009317U1 · 2007 [cited by applicant]
EP 1159926A2 · 2001 [cited by applicant]
EP 1777771A1 · 2007 [cited by applicant]
JP 61501068A · 1986 [cited by applicant]
JP 65502328 · 1992 [cited by applicant]
JP 55106 · 1993 [cited by applicant]
JP 540112 · 1993 [cited by applicant]
JP H07265328A · 1995 [cited by applicant]
JP H0856955A · 1996 [cited by applicant]
JP 08252263 · 1996 [cited by applicant]
JP 09010223 · 1997 [cited by applicant]
JP 11070124A · 1999 [cited by applicant]
JP H11244298A · 1999 [cited by applicant]
JP 2000102545A · 2000 [cited by applicant]
JP 2000342599A · 2000 [cited by applicant]
JP 2000350732A · 2000 [cited by applicant]
JP 2001008944A · 2001 [cited by applicant]
JP 2001029356A · 2001 [cited by applicant]
JP 2001128990A · 2001 [cited by applicant]
JP 6343644B2 · 2018 [cited by applicant]
SU 401367A1 · 1973 [cited by applicant]
WO 0036986A1 · 2000 [cited by applicant]
WO 0154604A1 · 2001 [cited by applicant]
WO 2005110264A2 · 2006 [cited by applicant]
WO 2008045348A2 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO 2009039179 · 2009 [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 020807.7 dated Apr. 24, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 003677.3 dated May 4, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 003813.4 dated Aug. 3, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 004491.8 dated Sep. 9, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 005051.9 dated Jul. 6, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 005575.7 dated Sep. 9, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 010521.4 dated Dec. 16, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 011745.8 dated Jan. 5, 2010. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012629.3 dated Dec. 8, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012687.1 dated Dec. 23, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012688.9 dated Dec. 28, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 152267.2 dated Jun. 15, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 152898.4 dated Jun. 10, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 154850.3 dated Jul. 20, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 160476.9 dated Aug. 4, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 164903.8 dated Aug. 21, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 165753.6 dated Nov. 11, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 168153.6 dated Jan. 14, 2010. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 168810.1 dated Feb. 2, 2010. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 09 172749.5 dated Dec. 4, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP11168419.7 dated Aug. 8, 2011. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP11168455.1 dated Sep. 26, 2011. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP11168458.5 dated Jul. 21, 2011. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 12 169753.6 dated Sep. 14, 2012. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/18640 dated Jan. 29, 1999. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/23950 dated Jan. 14, 1999. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/24281 dated Feb. 22, 1999. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US99/24869 dated Feb. 3, 2000. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11218 dated Aug. 14, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11224 dated Nov. 13, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11340 dated Aug. 16, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11420 dated Oct. 16, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US02/01890 dated Jul. 25, 2002. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US02/11100 dated Jul. 16, 2002. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/18676 dated Sep. 19, 2003. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/28534dated Dec. 19, 2003. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/03436 dated Mar. 3, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/13273 dated Dec. 15, 2004. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/15311dated Jan. 12, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US07/021438 dated Apr. 1, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US07/021440 dated Apr. 8, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US08/52460 dated Apr. 24, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US08/61498 dated Sep. 22, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report PCT/US09/032690 dated Jun. 16, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 04027479.7 dated Mar. 8, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 04027705.5 dated Feb. 3, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 04752343.6 dated Jul. 20, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05002671.5 dated Dec. 22, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05002674.9 dated Jan. 16, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05013463.4 dated Oct. 7, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05013895.7 dated Oct. 21, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05016399.7 dated Jan. 13, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Intl Search Report EP 05017281.6 dated Nov. 24, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05019130.3 dated Oct. 27, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05019429.9 dated May 6, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05020665.5 dated Feb. 27, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05020666.3 dated Feb. 27, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05021197.8 dated Feb. 20, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05021779.3 dated Feb. 2, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05021780.1 dated Feb. 23, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05021937.7 dated Jan. 23, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report—extended—EP 05021937.7 dated Mar. 15, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 05023017.6 dated Feb. 24, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06002279.5 dated Mar. 30, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06005185.1 dated May 10, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06006716.2 dated Aug. 4, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06008515.6 dated Jan. 8, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06008779.8 dated Jul. 13, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06014461.5 dated Oct. 31, 2006. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06020574.7 dated Oct. 2, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06020583.8 dated Feb. 7, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06020584.6 dated Feb. 1, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06020756.0 dated Feb. 16, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06 024122.1 dated Apr. 16, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 06024123.9 dated Mar. 6, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 001480.8 dated Apr. 19, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 001488.1 dated Jun. 5, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 009026.1 dated Oct. 8, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report Extended—EP 07 009029.5 dated Jul. 20, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 009321.6 dated Aug. 28, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 010672.9 dated Oct. 16, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 013779.9 dated Oct. 26, 2007. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 014016 dated Jan. 28, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 015191.5 dated Jan. 23, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 015601.3 dated Jan. 4, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 020283.3 dated Feb. 5, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021646.0 dated Mar. 20, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021646.0 dated Jul. 9, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021647.8 dated May 2, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 002692.5 dated Dec. 12, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 004655.0 dated Jun. 24, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 006732.5 dated Jul. 29, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 006917.2 dated Jul. 3, 2008. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 08 016539.2 dated Jan. 8, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Michael Choti, “Abdominoperineal Resection with the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System and LigaSure Atlas 20 cm Open Instrument” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2003. [cited by applicant]
Chung et al., “Clinical Experience of Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure” Diseases of the Colon & Rectum vol. 46, No. Jan. 1, 2003. [cited by applicant]
Tinkcler L.F., “Combined Diathermy and Suction Forceps” , Feb. 6, 1967, British Medical Journal Feb. 6, 1976, vol. 1, nr. 5431 p. 361, ISSN: 0007-1447. [cited by applicant]
Carbonell et al., “Comparison of theGyrus PlasmaKinetic Sealer and the Valleylab LigaSure Device in the Hemostasis of Small, Medium, and Large-Sized Arteries” Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Carolin… [cited by applicant]
Peterson et al., “Comparison of Healing Process Following Ligation with Sutures and Bipolar Vessel Sealing” Surgical Technology International (2001). [cited by applicant]
“Electrosurgery: A Historical Overview” Innovations in Electrosurgery; Sales/Product Literature; Dec. 31, 2000, 6 pages. [cited by applicant]
Johnson et al. “Evaluation of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealing Device in Hemorrhoidectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan., 2004. [cited by applicant]
E. David Crawford, “Evaluation of a New Vessel Sealing Device in Urologic Cancer Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 2000. [cited by applicant]
Johnson et al. “Evaluation of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Hemorrhoidectormy” American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinicla Congress Poster (2000). [cited by applicant]
Muller et al. “Extended Left Hemicolectomy Using the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System” Innovations That Work; Sep. 1999. [cited by applicant]
Kennedy et al. “High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing” Surgical Endoscopy (1998) 12:876-878. [cited by applicant]
Burdette et al. “In Vivo Probe Measurement Technique for Determining Dielectric Properties at VHF Through Microwave Frequencies”, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. MTT-28, No. 4, Apr. 1980 pp. 4… [cited by applicant]
Carus et al., “Initial Experience With the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Abdominal Surgery” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2002. [cited by applicant]
Heniford et al. “Initial Research and Clinical Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Oct. 1999. (1 page). [cited by applicant]
Heniford et al. “Initial Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Surgical Endoscopy (2000) 15:799-801. (4 pages). [cited by applicant]
Herman et al., “Laparoscopic Intestinal Resection With the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System: A Case Report”; Innovations That Work, Feb. 2002. [cited by applicant]
Koyle et al., “Laparoscopic Palomo Varicocele Ligation in Children and Adolescents” Pediatric Endosurgery & Innovative Techniques, vol. 6, No. 1, 2002. [cited by applicant]
W Scott Helton, “LigaSure Vessel Sealing System: Revolutionary Hemostasis Product for General Surgery”; Sales/Product Literature 1999. (1 page). [cited by applicant]
LigaSure Vessel Sealing System, the Seal of Confidence in General, Gynecologic, Urologic, and Laparaoscopic Surgery; Sales/Product Literature; Apr. 2002. [cited by applicant]
Joseph Ortenberg “LigaSure System Used in Laparoscopic 1st and 2nd Stage Orchiopexy” Innovations That Work, Nov. 2002. [cited by applicant]
Sigel et al. “The Mechanism of Blood Vessel Closure by High Frequency Electrocoagulation” Surgery Gynecology & Obstetrics, Oct. 1965 pp. 823-831. [cited by applicant]
Sampayan et al., “Multilayer Ultra-High Gradient Insulator Technology” Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 1998. Netherlands Aug. 17-21, 1998; vol. 2, pp. 740-743. [cited by applicant]
Paul G. Horgan, “A Novel Technique for Parenchymal Division During Hepatectomy” The American Journal of Surgery, vol. 181, No. 3, Apr. 2001 pp. 236-237. [cited by applicant]
Benaron et al., “Optical Time-Of-Flight and Absorbance Imaging of Biologic Media”, Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC, vol. 259, Mar. 5, 1993, pp. 1463-1466. [cited by applicant]
Olsson et al. “Radical Cystectomy in Females” . Current Surgical Techniques in Urology, vol. 14, Issue 3, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Palazzo et al. “Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure versus open haemorrhoidectomy” British Journal of Surgery 2002, 89, 154-157. [cited by applicant]
Levy et al. “Randomized Trial of Suture Versus Electrosurgical Bipolar Vessel Sealing in Vaginal Hysterectomy” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 102, No. 1, Jul. 2003. [cited by applicant]
“Reducing Needlestick Injuries in the Operating Room”; Sales/Product Literature 2001. [cited by applicant]
Bergdahl et al. “Studies on Coagulation and the Development of an Automatic Computerized Bipolar Coagulator” J. Neurosurg, vol. 75, Jul. 1991, pp. 148-151. [cited by applicant]
Strasberg et al. “A Phase | Study of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Hepatic Surgery” Section of HPB Surger, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, Presented at AHPBA, Feb. 2001, 1 page. [cited by applicant]
Sayfan et al., “Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy: A New Technique” Annals of Surgery, vol. 234, No. 1, Jul. 2001, pp. 21-24. [cited by applicant]
Levy et al., “Update on Hysterectomy—New Technologies and Techniques” OBG Management, Feb. 2003. [cited by applicant]
Dulemba et al. “Use of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealer in Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan. 2004. [cited by applicant]
Strasberg et al., “Use of a Bipolar Vessel-Sealing Device for Parenchymal Transection During Liver Surgery” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, vol. 6, No. 4, Jul./Aug. 2002 pp. 569-574. [cited by applicant]
Sengupta et al., “Use of a Computer-Controlled Bipolar Diathermy System in Radical Prostatectomies and Other Open Urological Surgery” ANZ Journal of Surgery {2001) 71 .9 pp. 538-540. [cited by applicant]
Rothenberg et al. “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children” Int'l Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) 2000. [cited by applicant]
Crawford et al. “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Urologic Cancer Surgery”; Grand Rounds in Urology 1999 vol. 1 Issue 4 pp. 10-17. [cited by applicant]
Craig Johnson, “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Bloodless Hemorrhoidectomy”; Innovations That Work, Mar. 2000. [cited by applicant]
Levy et al. “Use of a New Energy-based Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” Int'l Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) World Congress 1999, 1 page. [cited by applicant]
Barbara Levy, “Use of a New Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” FIGO 2000, Washington, D.C . . . (1 Page). [cited by applicant]
E. David Crawford, “Use of a Novel Vessel Sealing Technology in Management of the Dorsal Veinous Complex” Sales/Product Literature 2000. [cited by applicant]
Jarrett et al., “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System for Peri-Hilar Vessels in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy”; Sales/Product Literature 2000. [cited by applicant]
Crouch et al. “A Velocity-Dependent Model for Needle Insertion in Soft Tissue” MICCAI 2005; LNCS 3750 pp. 624-632 Dated: 2005. [cited by applicant]
McLellan et al., “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Pelvic Surgery” Intl Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics FIGO World Congress 2000, Washington, DC. [cited by applicant]
McLellan et al. “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Gynecologic Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 1999. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 98944778.4 dated Oct. 31, 2000. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 98957771 dated Aug. 9, 2001. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 98958575.7 dated Sep. 20, 2002. [cited by applicant]
Intl Search Report EP 04013772.1 dated Apr. 1, 2005. [cited by applicant]
Int'l Search Report EP 04027314.6 dated Mar. 10, 2005. [cited by applicant]