Tissue sealing electrosurgery device and methods of sealing tissue
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical device for ablating tissue, the device comprising:
- a jaw comprising a first jaw arm and a second jaw arm, the first and second jaw arms each having a portion on an inner face for engaging tissue;
an elongated, hollow tube on the inner face of at least one of the first jaw arm and the second jaw arm;
the tube extending along a portion of the jaw arm and at least partially recessed within a portion of the jaw arm, the tube having a plurality of infusion openings positioned along the length of tube, the plurality of infusion openings in fluid communication with a source of an electrically conductive liquid; and
an electrical conductor for conducting electrical energy to the tube.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and includes, 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 includes 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.
242 Citations
46 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical device for ablating tissue, the device comprising:
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a jaw comprising a first jaw arm and a second jaw arm, the first and second jaw arms each having a portion on an inner face for engaging tissue;
an elongated, hollow tube on the inner face of at least one of the first jaw arm and the second jaw arm;
the tube extending along a portion of the jaw arm and at least partially recessed within a portion of the jaw arm, the tube having a plurality of infusion openings positioned along the length of tube, the plurality of infusion openings in fluid communication with a source of an electrically conductive liquid; and
an electrical conductor for conducting electrical energy to the tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An electrosurgical system for ablating tissue, the system comprising:
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a forceps, the forceps having a first jaw arm and a second jaw arm, each jaw arm including an elongated, hollow tube on the inner face of the jaw arm;
the tube extending along a portion of the jaw arm and at least partially recessed within a portion of the jaw arm, the tube having a plurality of infusion openings positioned along the length of tube, and at least one electrical conductor;
an electrically conductive liquid source in fluid communication with the plurality of openings; and
an electrical energy source for supplying electrical energy to the electrical conductor. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of ablating tissue using an electrosurgical system, the method comprising:
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providing an electrosurgical forceps, the forceps having a first jaw arm and a second jaw arm, each jaw arm including an elongated, hollow tube on the inner face of the jaw arm;
the tube extending along a portion of the jaw arm and at least partially recessed within a portion of the jaw arm, the tube having a plurality of infusion openings positioned along the length of tube;
grasping an area of tissue using the electrosurgical forceps;
supplying an electrically conductive fluid from an electrically conductive solution source to the plurality of infusion openings; and
supplying electrical energy from an electrical energy source to the electrical conductor. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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Specification