Fluid-assisted medical device

• US 20030114850A1
• Filed: 01/29/2003
• Published: 06/19/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tissuelink Medical, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Luzzi, Robert, McClurken, Michael E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,651,494 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1442 Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00196 reciprocating lengthwise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00404 Blood vessels other than those in or around the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00589 Coagulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1412 Blade
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1432 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/145 wherein the effectors remain parallel during closing and opening
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes

Abstract

The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm, at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode, and a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings. According to the invention, at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally moveable, and at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy. The invention also provides a corresponding method for treating blood vessels or other tissues of the body.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising:

a. a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;

b. a tubular member having a proximal and a distal end, the tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing;

c. a first, translationally movable arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode;

d. a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm;

e. at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode;

f. a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings,

wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second arm is stationary.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second arm is translationally movable.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein a distal portion of the first arm and the second arm are bent to form an angle.

5. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a translationally movable cutting mechanism.

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the cutting mechanism is independently movable from the first arm.

7. The device according to claim 5 further comprising a mechanism to limit distal movement of the cutting mechanism.

8. The device according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm includes a slot for movement or guiding of the cutting mechanism.

9. The device according to claim 5 wherein the cutting mechanism is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a monopolar device.

11. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a bipolar device.

12. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a solution source.

13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the solution source comprises a pressurized canister.

14. The device according to claim 12 wherein the solution source comprises a pump.

15. The device according to claim 1 wherein the solution infusion openings comprise laser machined openings.

16. The device according to claim 1 wherein the solution infusion openings are included within at least one groove formed on the first arm and the second arm of the device.

17. The device according to claim 16 further comprising exit slots in fluid communication with the at least one groove.

18. The device according to claim 16 wherein the at least one groove is fabricated from a porous material.

19. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second arms comprise a porous material, and the solution infusion openings are provided by the porous material.

20. The device according to claim 19 wherein the porous material comprises a porous polymer.

21. The device according to claim 20 wherein the porous polymer is a conductive material.

22. The device according to claim 19 wherein the porous material comprises a non-conductive material.

23. The device according to claim 19 wherein the porous material comprises a porous metal.

24. The device according to claim 1 further comprising an arm locking mechanism to lock the first arm in a desired position.

25. The device according to claim 1 wherein the tubular member is capable of articulating movement.

26. The device according to claim 1 wherein the tubular member comprises a malleable shaft.

27. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second electrodes include a U-shaped portion.

28. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with a surface area ratio of 1:

1.

29. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first arm includes a ball tip.

30. The device according to claim 29 wherein the ball tip is spring-loaded.

31. The device according to claim 29 wherein the second arm includes a shaped portion that is configured to receive the ball tip.

32. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first arm includes a blunt tip.

33. A medical device comprising:

a. a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;

b. a tubular member having a proximal and a distal end, the tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing;

c. a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode;

d. a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm;

e. at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode;

f. a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings,

wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy, and

wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally movable.

34. A method of treating a blood vessel, vascularized tissue, ligament or muscle located in a deep cavity of the body comprising:

a. providing a device comprising;

(i) a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;

(ii) a tubular member having a proximal and a distal end, the tubular member extending from -the distal end of the housing;

(iii) a first, translationally movable arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode;

(iv) a second, stationary arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm;

(v) at least one solution infusion opening on each conductor;

(vi) a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings,

wherein the first arm and the second arm are each adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy;

b. applying radiofrequency energy; and

c. providing electrically conductive solution through the solution delivery channel.

35. The method according to claim 34 wherein the vessel is a dorsal vein.