Thomas R Block

US Patent:

20030191494, Oct 9, 2003

Filed:

Apr 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/412044

Inventors:

Joel Gray - Barrington IL, US
Donald Williams - Lake Forest IL, US
Thomas Block - Imperial MO, US
Delos Cosgrove - Hunting Valley OH, US

Assignee:

Allegiance Healthcare Corporation

International Classification:

A61B017/28

US Classification:

606/205000, 606/206000, 606/207000

Abstract:

The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.