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Radiofrequency fusion of cardiac tissue

  • US 8,070,746 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2007
  • Issued: 12/06/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for sealing at least one lesion in at least one heart valve leaflet within the chest of a patient comprising the steps of:

  • providing a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position;

    creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein;

    inserting the forceps through the at least one opening;

    manipulating the jaw members of the forceps through the at least one opening to grasp a first portion of a lesion of a heart valve leaflet and a second portion of the lesion of the heart valve leaflet therebetween;

    activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the lesion portions under a working pressure sufficient to seal the first portion of the lesion to the second portion of the lesion when radiofrequency energy is applied to the jaw members; and

    applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the first portion of the lesion to the second portion of the lesion.

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