Tissue sealing electrosurgery device and methods of sealing tissue

• US 6,440,130 B1
• Filed: 05/26/2000
• Issued: 08/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mosi Media LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Hoey, Michael F., Mulier, Peter M. J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GIBSON, ROY DEAN
• Application Number:
  US09/579,916
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 606/45, 606/46, 606/49, 606/51, 606/52, 606/170, 606/206, 606/207
• US Class Current: 606/49
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00296 mounted on an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1432 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 Irrigation

Abstract

An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue. The solution is further energized to a range of energy densities such that tissues to be affected are sealed against flow of blood, lymphatic fluids, air, and other bodily fluids and gases.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising:

a. a first and second jaw arm forming a device jaw, each jaw arm including a solution delivery channel passing through each jaw arm;

b. at least one solution infusion opening on each jaw arm, the solution infusion opening being in communication with the solution delivery channel to permit passage of an electrically conductive solution through the infusion openings from each jaw arm; and

c. an electrical conductor for conducting electrical energy to the electrically conductive solution.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms includes at least one groove along an inner face of each of the first and second jaw arms.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is smooth.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is circular.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is semicircular.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is linear.

7. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is malleable.

8. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a cutting mechanism.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the cutting mechanism is a selectively retractable and advanceable blade.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms includes serrations.

11. The device according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of solution infusion openings defined along each of the first and second jaw arms.

12. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms includes a porous surface.

13. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device has a proximal and distal end, the proximal end including finger holes.

14. The device according to claim 13 wherein the device is selected from cutting biopsy forceps, endoscopic forceps, dissecting forceps, traumatic forceps, atraumatic forceps, and flexible endoscopic grasping forceps.

15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the forceps are endoscopic forceps, and the forceps are sized for passing through a trocar.

16. A method of manipulating tissue using an electrosurgical device, the method comprising:

selecting an electrosurgical instrument comprising;

a. a first and second jaw arm forming a device jaw, each jaw arm including a solution delivery channel passing through each jaw arm;

b. at least one solution infusion opening on each jaw arm, the solution infusion opening being in communication with the solution delivery channel to permit passage of an electrically conductive solution through the infusion openings from each jaw arm; and

c. an electrical conductor for conducting electrical energy to the electrically conductive solution;

supplying an electrolytic solution to the at least one solution infusion opening of each of the first and second jaw arms;

supplying electrical energy from an electrical energy source to the solution, wherein the electrical energy is sufficient to affect tissue; and

manipulating tissue with the first and second jaw arms at least in part while solution is in contact with the tissue along the jaw arms and electrical energy is supplied to the solution.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms is malleable.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the device further comprises a cutting mechanism.

19. The method according to claim 16 wherein the device includes a plurality of solution infusion openings defined along each of the first and second jaw arms.

20. The method according to claim 16 wherein each of the first and second jaw arms includes a porous surface.

21. The method according to claim 16 wherein the device is selected from cutting biopsy forceps, endoscopic forceps, dissecting forceps, traumatic forceps, atraumatic forceps, and flexible endoscopic grasping forceps.