Polypectomy device and method

• US 6,616,659 B1
• Filed: 07/27/2001
• Issued: 09/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microline Surgical, Inc. (Hoya Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Starion Instruments Corp. (Hoya Corporation)
• Inventors: de la Torre, Roger A., Mollenauer, Kenneth H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gibson, Roy D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): VRETTAKOS, PETER J
• Application Number:
  US09/917,104
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 606/47, 606/32-34, 606/39-40, 606/41, 606/46, 606/49-52, 606/113, 606/114, 606/110
• US Class Current: 606/47
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/085 Forceps, scissors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/10 Power sources therefor
• 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 2018/00327 Ear, nose or throat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00482 Digestive system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00642 with feedback, i.e. closed loop control

Abstract

A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Claims

1. A method for removing polyps from the body of a patient, said method comprising:

providing a polypectomy device comprising;

a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;

a first jaw having a first grasping face, said first jaw extending distally from the distal end of the catheter, said first jaw having an aperture extending there through;

a second jaw having a second grasping face, said second jaw extending distally from the distal end of the catheter, said second jaw being rotatable relative to the first jaw between open and closed positions relative to the first jaw to bring the first grasping face and the second grasping face into apposition to each other;

a snare cable having a proximal end and a distal end, said snare cable extending from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end of the catheter, wherein the distal end of the snake cable engages the first jaw and the second jaw such that jaws may be moved toward a closed position by pulling proximally on the proximal end of the snare cable;

a heating element positioned between the first grasping face and the second grasping face; and

a power source for selectively supplying heating power to the keating element;

placing the distal end of the catheter in the proximity of the polyp;

pushing the snare cable distally relative to the catheter to open the jaws relative to each other and form a loop of snare cable extending from the distal end of the catheter;

manipulating the loop to engage the polyp;

pulling the snare cable proximally relative to the catheter to draw the polyp into position between the grasping faces of the first and second jaws and to close the first and second jaws upon the polyp;

supplying heating power to the heating element to sever the polyp from its surrounding tissue.