RANDY S HALUCK, MD
Radiology at University Dr, Swatara, PA

6685724, Feb 3, 2004

Aug 22, 2000

09/644011

Randy S. Haluck - Hershey PA

The Penn State Research Foundation - University Park PA

A61B 1728

606207

A surgical instrument is provided for use in performing endoscopic procedures having a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity. The distal end further includes a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws that form a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to releasably grasp a releasable trocar. The releasable trocar has a complementarily shaped shank, a relatively sharp tip and may include a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the trocar. In an alternative embodiment, the relatively movable jaws define (i) a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp or cut objects; and (ii) a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the jaws so that when the jaws are in a closed position they may be used as a trocar. In another embodiment, a portal tube is sealingly positioned on the elongate tubular member and is operative to move between (i) a first position in which the portal is in a proximal location on the elongate tubular member and in spaced relation to the anatomical cavity, and (ii) a second position in which the portal is in a distal location on the elongate tubular member and in sealed communication with said anatomical cavity. The optional portal may be used with either the releasable trocar or the jaw trocar.

2007017, Aug 2, 2007

Apr 11, 2007

11/734039

MARY FRECKER - State College PA, US
RANDY HALUCK - Hershey PA, US
RYAN DZIEDZIC - McLean VA, US
JEREMY SCHADLER - Fleetwood PA, US

THE PENN STATE RESEARCH FOUNDATION - University Park PA

A61B 17/00

606205000

An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control to translate control instructions from the user control through an actuating mechanism to operate the end effector in one of at least two different functioning states. No instrument exchange is necessary to change between states. The actuation mechanism could be a manually operated mechanical mechanism. Alternatively, it could be partially or fully electromechanical or electrical or electronic. According to one aspect, the end effector is a rigid link mechanism. According to another aspect, the end effector could be a compliant mechanism, at least in part. Another aspect of the invention includes the ability of the end effector to have at least some articulation in addition to grasping and cutting functions.

7331978, Feb 19, 2008

Dec 23, 2003

10/744669

Randy S. Haluck - Hershey PA, US

The Penn State Research Foundation - University Park PA

A61B 17/28

606207

A surgical instrument is provided for use in performing endoscopic procedures having a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity. The distal end further includes a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws that form a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to releasably grasp a releasable trocar. The releasable trocar has a complementarily shaped shank, a relatively sharp tip and may include a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the trocar. In an alternative embodiment, the relatively movable jaws define (i) a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp or cut objects; and (ii) a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the jaws so that when the jaws are in a closed position they may be used as a trocar. In another embodiment, a portal tube is sealingly positioned on the elongate tubular member and is operative to move between (i) a first position in which the portal is in a proximal location on the elongate tubular member and in spaced relation to the anatomical cavity, and (ii) a second position in which the portal is in a distal location on the elongate tubular member and in sealed communication with said anatomical cavity. The optional portal may be used with either the releasable trocar or the jaw trocar.

7208005, Apr 24, 2007

Aug 5, 2002

10/213645

Mary I. Frecker - State College PA, US
Randy S. Haluck - Hershey PA, US
Ryan P. Dziedzic - McLean VA, US
Jeremy R. Schadler - Fleetwood PA, US

The Penn State Research Foundation - University Park PA

A61B 17/295, A61B 17/32

606205, 606167

An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control to translate control instructions from the user control through an actuating mechanism to operate the end effector in one of at least two different functioning states. No instrument exchange is necessary to change between states. The actuation mechanism could be a manually operated mechanical mechanism. Alternatively, it could be partially or fully electromechanical or electrical or electronic. According to one aspect, the end effector is a rigid link mechanism. According to another aspect, the end effector could be a compliant mechanism, at least in part.