Sealing and/or cutting instrument
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
- a first surface;
a second surface movable into a position adjacent the first surface; and
a thermally active element coupled to one of the first surface and the second surface, the thermally active element configured to be connectable to a power supply, the thermally active element comprising a conductor and a ferromagnetic material disposed about the conductor such that electrical power passing through the conductor causes the ferromagnetic material to heat;
wherein heat is generated in the thermally active element and conducted from the thermally active element to tissue to thereby treat the tissue;
wherein the power supply further comprises a control for applying a first power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to seal tissue, and for applying a second power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to cut tissue; and
wherein the first surface and the second surface are coupled to each other via a parallel movement linkage, and wherein the parallel movement linkage comprises a pantograph linkage.
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Abstract
A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.
389 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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a first surface; a second surface movable into a position adjacent the first surface; and a thermally active element coupled to one of the first surface and the second surface, the thermally active element configured to be connectable to a power supply, the thermally active element comprising a conductor and a ferromagnetic material disposed about the conductor such that electrical power passing through the conductor causes the ferromagnetic material to heat; wherein heat is generated in the thermally active element and conducted from the thermally active element to tissue to thereby treat the tissue; wherein the power supply further comprises a control for applying a first power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to seal tissue, and for applying a second power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to cut tissue; and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coupled to each other via a parallel movement linkage, and wherein the parallel movement linkage comprises a pantograph linkage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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a first arm having a first surface; a second arm having a second surface oriented generally opposite to the first surface, a parallel movement linkage connecting the first arm and second arm; and a thermally active element mechanism associated with at least one of the first surface and second surface, the thermally active element mechanism comprising a first portion defining a sealing zone configured to heat to a first temperature to seal tissue and a second portion defining a cutting zone configured to heat to a second temperature to cut tissue, wherein the parallel movement linkage comprises a pantograph linkage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification