Electrosurgical working end with resistive gradient electrodes
First Claim
1. A working end of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
- first and second engaging members carried at the distal end of an extension member, the engaging members capable of an open position and a closed position for engaging tissue; and
first and second electrodes engagement surfaces exposed in faces of the engaging members, respectively, wherein an electrode surface defines a plurality of adjacent portions each having a different resistance to electrical current flow therethrough.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical working end and method for transecting an anatomic structure along a targeted line and for creating a thermal welds along either of both transected tissue margins, for example for use in a partial lung resection procedure. In one embodiment, the working end provides elongate curved or linear guide members that can be positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable member with interior channels that receive the guide or jaw members. The electrode or electrodes carried by of working end define a resistive gradient for creating controlled Rf ohmic heating in the engaged tissue.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A working end of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
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first and second engaging members carried at the distal end of an extension member, the engaging members capable of an open position and a closed position for engaging tissue; and
first and second electrodes engagement surfaces exposed in faces of the engaging members, respectively, wherein an electrode surface defines a plurality of adjacent portions each having a different resistance to electrical current flow therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of electrosurgically sealing a targeted tissue volume, comprising the steps of:
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engaging the targeted tissue between opposing polarity electrode engagement surfaces, wherein at least one electrode engagement surface defines a plurality of electrode portion with differential resistance to electrical current flow therethrough;
causing Rf current flow through the engaged tissue between the opposing polarity electrodes;
wherein said Rf current flow is induced to flow progressively across different selected portions of the engaged tissue that are engaged by different electrode portions having differential resistance. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of directing the path of Rf current in a targeted tissue volume, comprising the steps of:
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engaging the targeted tissue with a first electrode engagement surface that has at least two electrode portions with lesser and greater resistances to Rf current flow therethrough, and a second electrode coupled to tissue; and
delivering Rf current to the first electrode engagement surface and the engaged tissue wherein said Rf current flow is first directed to flow in paths in tissue engaged by the electrode portion having lesser resistance and thereafter directed to flow in paths in tissue engaged by electrode portions having greater resistances. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification