System and method for controlling electrode gap during tissue sealing
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical system, comprising:
- a forceps including a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof, the end effector assembly including jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;
each of the jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator and include a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through the tissue grasped therebetween;
at least one sensor that determines a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members;
a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod, the pressure applicator configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction; and
a controller operable to communicate with the at least one sensor and to control the pressure applicator in response to the determined gap distance during the sealing process.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed that includes an electrosurgical forceps. The forceps includes a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The system also includes one or more sensors that determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod. The pressure applicator is configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction. The system further includes a controller adapted to communicate with the sensors and to control the pressure applicator in response to the determined gap distance during the sealing process.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical system, comprising:
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a forceps including a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof, the end effector assembly including jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; each of the jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator and include a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through the tissue grasped therebetween; at least one sensor that determines a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members; a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod, the pressure applicator configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction; and a controller operable to communicate with the at least one sensor and to control the pressure applicator in response to the determined gap distance during the sealing process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for sealing tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing an electrosurgical forceps having a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof, the end effector assembly including jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; providing a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod; grasping tissue between sealing plates associated with the jaw members; sensing a gap distance between the sealing plates; and controlling the pressure applicator in response to the sensed gap distance in order to reciprocate the drive rod. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification