THERMOTHERAPY DEVICE
First Claim
1. A system for applying energy to tissue comprising a polymeric monolith with fluidic channels therein, the monolith having a tissue-engaging surface for engaging tissue, and a fluid media source that introduces fluid media into the fluidic channels for applying energy to engaged tissue.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to the working end of a medical instrument that applies energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has a microfluidic tissue-engaging surface fabricated by soft lithography means together with optional superlattice cooling means that allows for very precise control of energy application, for example in neurosurgery applications. The tissue-engaging surface can eject a high-heat content vapor into the engaged tissue for treating tissue, while the superlattice cooling structure can prevent collateral thermal damage. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to localize heat at a selected depth in tissue and prevent surface ablation. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to prevent tissue sticking to a thermal energy delivery surface. In another embodiment, the tissue-engaging surface can be used in a jaw structure for sealing tissue together with hydrojet means for transecting the tissue.
-
Citations
29 Claims
- 1. A system for applying energy to tissue comprising a polymeric monolith with fluidic channels therein, the monolith having a tissue-engaging surface for engaging tissue, and a fluid media source that introduces fluid media into the fluidic channels for applying energy to engaged tissue.
- 14. An instrument for applying energy to tissue comprising a body having an energy-emitting surface for contacting tissue and thin film superlattice cooling structure coupled to the energy-emitting surface.
- 24. An instrument for applying energy to tissue comprising a body having a tissue-contacting surface with a plurality of capillaries having open terminations in the surface wherein the interior end of the capillaries communicate with a liquid source, and a thermal energy emitter within the capillaries for vaporizing liquid therein.
- 27. A surgical instrument comprising a jaw structure having first and second axially-extending jaws including thermal energy delivery means for sealing tissue, and at least one jetting aperture in a jaw in fluid communication with a high pressure fluid jetting source.
Specification