Bipolar forceps with multiple electrode array end effector assembly
First Claim
1. A bipolar electrosurgical forceps, comprising:
- first and second opposing jaw members having respective inwardly facing surfaces associated therewith, the first and second jaw members adapted for relative movement between an open position to receive tissue and a closed position engaging tissue between the inwardly facing surfaces;
the first and second jaw members each including a plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surfaces thereof, the plurality of electrodes of the first jaw member being disposed in substantially vertical registration with the plurality of electrodes of the second jaw member;
each of the plurality of electrodes being configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy.
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Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical forceps includes first and second opposing jaw members having respective inwardly facing surfaces associated therewith. The first and second jaw members are adapted for relative movement between an open position to receive tissue and a closed position engaging tissue between the inwardly facing surfaces. The first and second jaw members each include a plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surfaces. The plurality of electrodes of the first jaw member are disposed in substantially vertical registration with the plurality of electrodes of the second jaw member. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. Electrodes on at least one jaw member are grouped in pairs and each respective pair aligns with at least one electrode on the opposite jaw member. A multiplexer controls current density or activation sequence of the electrosurgical energy to each electrode.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A bipolar electrosurgical forceps, comprising:
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first and second opposing jaw members having respective inwardly facing surfaces associated therewith, the first and second jaw members adapted for relative movement between an open position to receive tissue and a closed position engaging tissue between the inwardly facing surfaces;
the first and second jaw members each including a plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surfaces thereof, the plurality of electrodes of the first jaw member being disposed in substantially vertical registration with the plurality of electrodes of the second jaw member;
each of the plurality of electrodes being configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of sealing tissue with a bipolar electrosurgical forceps, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a forceps having an end effector assembly with first and second jaw members including opposing inwardly-facing surfaces each including a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, the plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surface of the first jaw member in substantially vertical registration with the plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surface of the second jaw member to form an opposing electrode pair, each electrode being individually configured to a source of electrosurgical energy;
grasping tissue between the jaw member; and
selectively applying electrosurgical energy to the electrodes according to an algorithm which controls the activation of each electrode. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification