Heat management configurations for controlling heat dissipation from electrosurgical instruments
First Claim
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
- an end effector, comprising;
a first jaw comprising a first channel;
a second jaw operably coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw comprises a second channel; and
an electrode; and
a moveable cutting member moveable between a retracted position and extended position, wherein the moveable cutting member is moveable through the first channel and the second channel when the first jaw and the second jaw are in a clamped configuration, and wherein the moveable cutting member comprises;
a distal end comprising a cutting surface; and
an intermediate portion proximal to the distal end, wherein the intermediate portion comprises an outer surface, wherein a cavity is defined in the intermediate portion, wherein at least one opening extends from the cavity to the outer surface, wherein the at least one opening is positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw when the moveable cutting member is in the extended position, and wherein the at least one opening is configured to dissipate heat between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the clamped configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise at least one energy delivery surface and heat dissipation means for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the end effector. For example, in at least one embodiment, the end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The cutting member may comprise a cutting surface and a body, which may define a cavity and at least one opening communicating with the cavity. A fluid may be moved through the cavity to and/or from the opening(s). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument'"'"'s end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one heat pipe. Various other heat dissipation means are also disclosed.
776 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector, comprising; a first jaw comprising a first channel; a second jaw operably coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw comprises a second channel; and an electrode; and a moveable cutting member moveable between a retracted position and extended position, wherein the moveable cutting member is moveable through the first channel and the second channel when the first jaw and the second jaw are in a clamped configuration, and wherein the moveable cutting member comprises; a distal end comprising a cutting surface; and an intermediate portion proximal to the distal end, wherein the intermediate portion comprises an outer surface, wherein a cavity is defined in the intermediate portion, wherein at least one opening extends from the cavity to the outer surface, wherein the at least one opening is positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw when the moveable cutting member is in the extended position, and wherein the at least one opening is configured to dissipate heat between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the clamped configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector, comprising; a first jaw comprising a first channel; a second jaw operably coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw comprises a second channel; and an electrode; and a moveable cutting member moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the moveable cutting member is moveable through the first channel and the second channel when the first jaw and the second jaw are in a clamped configuration, and wherein the moveable cutting member comprises; a distal cutting surface; and heat dissipation means for supplying fluid to tissue proximal to the distal cutting surface and clamped intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw, wherein the heat dissipation means does not extend past the electrode when the moveable cutting member is in the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector, comprising; a first jaw comprising a first channel; a second jaw operably coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw comprises a second channel; and an electrode; and a cutting member moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the moveable cutting member is moveable through the first channel and the second channel when the first jaw and the second jaw are in a clamped configuration, and wherein the cutting member comprises; an outer surface; and a fluid pathway, wherein the fluid pathway comprises at least one opening defined in the outer surface and a closed distal end, wherein the at least one opening is positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw when the cutting member is in the extended position, and wherein the at least one opening is configured to dissipate heat between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the clamped configuration. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification