×

TEMPERATURE INDICATING ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS AND METHODS

  • US 20080077128A1
  • Filed: 11/19/2007
  • Published: 03/27/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2003
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of monitoring a temperature at a surgical site during a procedure comprising:

  • providing an electrosurgical device at a surgical site during a procedure, comprising;

    a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion;

    an electrode assembly comprising at least one active electrode disposed near the shaft distal end portion and adapted to be electrically coupled to a first pole of the power supply;

    a connector fixedly engaged to the shaft proximal end portion adapted to couple the device to the power supply;

    at least one temperature-indicating element disposed on an exterior of the shaft to be responsive to temperature changes adjacent to the device, wherein the temperature-indicating element undergoes a change in chromatic appearance over a pre-determined temperature range; and

    visually observing the chromatic appearance of the temperature-indicating element, wherein the appearance of the temperature-indicating element is indicative of a temperature condition at region adjacent a portion of the shaft.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×