Donald A Robinson

US Patent:

61429570, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Jan 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/789949

Inventors:

Bruce H. Diamond - Brookline MA
Donald E. Robinson - Hopkinton MA
Alyssa J. Dassa - Chestnut Hill MA
Charles Warich - Milford MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Watertown MA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600567

Abstract:

In an aspect, the invention relates to an instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and has a distal end constructed to sever and remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The improvement includes that the instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body. The instrument includes a tissue sample retractor. The retractor is axially movable between an extended tissue-engaging position and a retracted position. There is an open passage into which the retractor moves when moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor has a distal end portion constructed to engage tissue and apply axial transporting force thereto while moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor is constructed to be advanced and retracted repeatedly to accumulate a series of samples in the instrument.

US Patent:

58239715, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Nov 12, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/747591

Inventors:

Donald E. Robinson - Hopkinton MA
Michael S. Banik - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - DE

International Classification:

A61B 1000

US Classification:

600567

Abstract:

A device and method for collecting from a tissue surface, a sample of tissue, including tissue specimens, polyps, or the like. A device body defines a forward-facing tissue receiving opening of substantially predetermined width through which tissue may pass when the opening is near the tissue surface. A severing element is actuatable across the width of the tissue receiving opening when tissue from the surface extends through the opening for severing the tissue from the surface. A storage space proximal of and adjacent the opening is provided for storage of multiple, successively taken samples by repeatedly passing tissue through the opening and actuating the severing element.

US Patent:

55730086, Nov 12, 1996

Filed:

Oct 29, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/146447

Inventors:

Donald E. Robinson - Hopkinton MA
Michael S. Banik - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Natick MA

International Classification:

A61B 1000

US Classification:

128754

Abstract:

A device and method for collecting from a tissue surface, a sample of tissue, including tissue specimens, polyps, or the like. A device body defines a forward-facing tissue receiving opening of substantially predetermined width through which tissue may pass when the opening is near the tissue surface. A severing element is actuatable across the width of the tissue receiving opening when tissue from the surface extends through the opening for severing the tissue from the surface. A storage space proximal of and adjacent the opening is provided for storage of multiple, successively taken samples by repeatedly passing tissue through the opening and actuating the severing element.

US Patent:

51905418, Mar 2, 1993

Filed:

Oct 17, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/599144

Inventors:

John E. Abele - Concord MA
Douglas J. Daniels - Mendon MA
Donald E. Robinson - Hopkinton MA
Stephen R. Thistle - Scituate MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Watertown MA

International Classification:

A61B 1739

US Classification:

606 46

Abstract:

A surgical instrument useful for laparoscopic surgery comprising an insulated shaft, a control means and a connection to an electrosurgical radiofrequency power source, its distal end being of general J-hook form having a tissue-engaging ledge, and the shaft supporting a tissue-engaging clamping or cutting member movable toward the ledge in response to the control means so that an artery or other tissue in the pocket of the J-hook can be clamped or cut while radiofrequency current is applied. Instrument constructions disclosed incorporate one or two clamping members and a cutting member arranged such that with actuation, the clamping member(s) engages the ledge before the cutting member, and, by selective actuation of the electrosurgical power source, coagulation current can be applied while clamping an artery or other tissue against the ledge to stop flow of blood, and by further actuation of the control and suitable current to the cutting member, the artery or tissue may be cut. Selector means enable movement of one and prevent movement of one of the members during actuation; bipolar or monopolar energization is employed; the relatively long leg of the J-member has portals. Communicating through a lumen in the shaft for infusion or aspiration of fluid; the distal end surface of the J-hook defines a cutting edge for blunt dissection; and the control means comprises a single actuatable member by actuator rods for sealing clamp and cutting members, while a compression spring associated with the actuating rod of the sealing clamp member compresses when the clamp member is stopped, in clamping action upon the artery or tissue while cutting of tissue thereafter proceeds.

US Patent:

54760992, Dec 19, 1995

Filed:

Aug 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/299196

Inventors:

Donald E. Robinson - Hopkinton MA
Joseph E. Young - Loveland OH
Michael S. Banik - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Watertown MA

International Classification:

A61B 1000

US Classification:

128751

Abstract:

Samples of tissue are cleanly severed from locations deep within the body of a patient. A catheter has a catheter body constructed for placement through a narrow passageway and includes at its distal portion a cutter. The cutter includes a moveable cutting member that can be controllably actuated to sever the tissue sample from the location deep within the body. A firing mechanism is provided at a proximal end of the catheter. The firing mechanism includes, for example, a moveable actuating element connected to the cutting member and a preaccelerator element. The preaccelerator element is accelerated to high speed before transferring force to the actuating element to cause the actuating element to accelerate to rapidly actuate the moveable cutting member and cleanly cut the sample. The cutting element may be a jaw-form that has sharp end cutting edges and is constructed to provide shearing action.