Surgical sealing surfaces and methods of use
First Claim
1. A matrix for an electrosurgical energy delivery surface, the matrix comprising:
- a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) material, the material having a substantially conductive state and a substantially non-conductive state; and
a heat exchange material disposed within an interior of the matrix, the heat exchange material having a structure configured to provide directional thermal diffusivity for exchanging heat with the PTCR material to cause rapid switching of the PTCR material between the conductive state and the non-conductive state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments provide compositions that exhibit positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) properties for use in thermal interactions with tissue—including thermal sensing and I2R current-limiting interactions. Embodiments also provide tissue-engaging surfaces having PTCR materials that provide very fast switching times between low resistance and high, current-limiting resistance. One embodiment provides a matrix for an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising a PTCR material and a heat exchange material disposed within an interior of the matrix. The PTCR material has a substantially conductive state and a substantially non-conductive state. The heat exchange material has a structure configured to have an omni-directional thermal diffusivity for exchanging heat with the PTCR material to cause rapid switching of the PTCR material between the conductive state and non-conductive state. Preferably, the structure comprises a graphite foam having an open cell configuration. The matrix can be carried by tissue contacting surfaces of various electrosurgical devices.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A matrix for an electrosurgical energy delivery surface, the matrix comprising:
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a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) material, the material having a substantially conductive state and a substantially non-conductive state; and a heat exchange material disposed within an interior of the matrix, the heat exchange material having a structure configured to provide directional thermal diffusivity for exchanging heat with the PTCR material to cause rapid switching of the PTCR material between the conductive state and the non-conductive state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification