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Author

Joseph C. Hueil

Bio: Joseph C. Hueil is an academic researcher from Ethicon Inc.. The author has contributed to research in topics: STAPLE DRIVER & Actuator. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 31 publications receiving 15900 citations.

Papers
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Patent
21 Apr 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel.
Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.

1,498 citations

Patent
15 Jul 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, a rotational drive mechanism for an endoscopic surgical instrument which has a rotatable drive shaft and a mechanism for translating the rotational force of the shaft for applying fasteners to tissue during endoscopic surgery is presented.
Abstract: A drive mechanism for an endoscopic surgical instrument which has a rotatable drive shaft and a mechanism for translating the rotational force of the shaft for applying fasteners to tissue during endoscopic surgery.

1,376 citations

Patent
09 Jan 2007
TL;DR: In this article, an articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector, with the shaft having a longitudinal axis and the end-effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot.
Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.

1,265 citations

Patent
06 Apr 2006
TL;DR: In this article, a laterally sliding member in a proximal portion of a shaft that pivots the end effector to a selected side is used to provide guidance for endoscopic use.
Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a laterally sliding member in a proximal portion of a shaft that pivots the end effector to a selected side. Differentially opposing actuating forces (e.g., hydraulic, fluidic, mechanical) act against the laterally sliding member without binding by incorporating guidance mechanisms between the laterally sliding member and a frame of the shaft.

1,093 citations

Patent
30 Sep 2005
TL;DR: In this article, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator such as an electroactive polymer actuator is used to adjust the position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft of a surgical stapler.
Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

1,078 citations


Cited by
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Patent
10 Jun 2011
TL;DR: In this article, a surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described, which includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly.
Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device

2,013 citations

Patent
03 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a self-contained powered surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes an elongate body, a fastener applying assembly including an anvil for forming a surgical fastener driven thereagainst, a motor assembly and power source for energizing the motor assembly disposed within the elongated body, and a pusher driven by the motor assembler for driving a surgeon fastener toward the anvil to be formed thereby and fastened to body tissue.
Abstract: A self-contained powered surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes an elongate body, a fastener applying assembly including an anvil for forming a surgical fastener driven thereagainst, a motor assembly and power source for energizing the motor assembly disposed within the elongate body, and a pusher driven by the motor assembly for driving a surgical fastener toward the anvil to be formed thereby and fastened to body tissue. The apparatus is configured for utilization during conventional invasive surgical procedures as well as endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedures by providing a detachable extension shaft.

1,894 citations

Patent
03 Feb 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a surgical stapler instrument is provided for applying lateral lines of staples to tissue while cutting the tissue between those staple lines, which includes a handle portion, an implement portion, a reciprocating section, a drive member and a movable actuator.
Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument is provided for applying lateral lines of staples to tissue while cutting the tissue between those staple lines. The instrument includes a handle portion, an implement portion, a reciprocating section, a drive member and a movable actuator. The implement portion includes a staple cartridge and an anvil. The reciprocating section is adapted to move back and forth along an axis of the implement portion. The movable actuator is associated with the handle portion and is engaged with the drive member such that motion of the actuator causes the drive member to move back and forth between first and second drive positions separated by a first distance. A multiplier is further provided and is associated with the reciprocating section and the drive member for causing the reciprocating section to move back and forth between first and second reciprocating positions in response to movement of the drive member. The reciprocating section includes a work portion which, when moved distally, effects the firing of staples in the staple cartridge toward the anvil. The work portion is also provided with a reciprocating knife. The first and second reciprocating positions are separated by a second distance which differs from the first distance.

1,670 citations

Patent
17 Jun 2004
TL;DR: In this paper, a surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided, which includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly.
Abstract: A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

1,659 citations

Patent
30 Sep 2004
TL;DR: In this paper, a surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4), and a staple fastening assembly (8), which includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge.
Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

1,502 citations