Radiofrequency medical instrument and methods for vessel welding
First Claim
1. Apparatus for welding a vessel comprising:
- a first member having a first vessel engaging surface;
a second member having a second vessel engaging surface, the second vessel engaging surface disposed in opposing relation to the first vessel engaging surface, the second member operatively coupled to the first member to progressively engage a portion of the vessel disposed between the first and second members to squeeze fluid out and define an engagement plane;
first and second bi-polar electrodes disposed in spaced apart relation on one of the first and second members and adapted to be in communication with the engagement plane, the first and second bi-polar electrodes adapted to be coupled to a source of RF energy to provide a flow of current between the first and second bi-polar electrodes; and
a channeling electrode disposed on one of the first and second members at a location at least partially intermediate the first and second bi-polar electrodes and adapted to be in communication with the engagement plane, the channeling electrode adapted to direct the flow of current between the first and second bi-polar electrodes through a portion of vessel in contact with the channeling electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for welding or sealing vessels or organs by collapsing a vessel with a jaw-like structure, applying an RF current between first and second bi-polar electrodes, and directing path of the RF current using a channeling electrode disposed intermediate the first and second bi-polar electrodes. The jaw-structure may be configured to progressively collapse the section of tissue to may squeeze fluids out of the lumen of the vessel. In addition, the jaw-structure may be configured to elongated the collapsed section of vessel to alter its impedance characteristics prior to application of RF energy. The device also may include one or more sensors providing signals to a power controller that modulates application of RF energy to the vessel.
688 Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for welding a vessel comprising:
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a first member having a first vessel engaging surface; a second member having a second vessel engaging surface, the second vessel engaging surface disposed in opposing relation to the first vessel engaging surface, the second member operatively coupled to the first member to progressively engage a portion of the vessel disposed between the first and second members to squeeze fluid out and define an engagement plane; first and second bi-polar electrodes disposed in spaced apart relation on one of the first and second members and adapted to be in communication with the engagement plane, the first and second bi-polar electrodes adapted to be coupled to a source of RF energy to provide a flow of current between the first and second bi-polar electrodes; and a channeling electrode disposed on one of the first and second members at a location at least partially intermediate the first and second bi-polar electrodes and adapted to be in communication with the engagement plane, the channeling electrode adapted to direct the flow of current between the first and second bi-polar electrodes through a portion of vessel in contact with the channeling electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for welding a vessel comprising:
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identifying a vessel to be sealed, the vessel having first and second ends; grasping the vessel at the first and second ends; contacting first and second bi-polar electrodes to the vessel in spaced apart relation; contacting a channeling electrode to a portion of the vessel at a location at least partially intermediate the first and second electrodes; collapsing an intermediate portion of the vessel to progressively engage the intermediate Portion to squeeze fluid out and approximate opposing walls of the vessel; and applying an RF current between the first and second electrodes so that the RF current flows through and welds the portion of the vessel in contact with the channeling electrode. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification