Coagulation Patents (Class 606/49)
  • Publication number: 20100114096
    Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: 7703459
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping out endoluminal gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. Mapping is achieved by locally marking the interior of the gastrointestinal lumen at specified locations. In some variations, mucosectomy and/or mucosal ablation are performed to map out endoluminal GI surgery, to facilitate direct endoluminal engagement of underlying muscularis tissue and/or to initiate a wound healing response. Specialized apparatus may be provided to achieve desired spacing and/or positioning of tissue markings, as well as to actually form the markings. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris Rothe, Ruey-Feng Peh, Richard C. Ewers
  • Patent number: 7691101
    Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Terry S. Davison, Brian Warne
  • Publication number: 20100076429
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments including a staple anvil formed in a distal end of the surgical stapler and a staple cartridge selectively receivable in a distal end of the surgical stapler and in juxtaposition relative to the staple anvil, the staple cartridge including one or more laterally spaced apart rows of staple slots formed in an upper surface thereof, a plurality of surgical staples disposed, one each, within the staple slots, and a staple line reinforcing system configured and adapted to augment the strength of the staple line formed by the firing of the surgical staples into body tissue, wherein the surgical stapler concomitantly drives the plurality of surgical staples through the adjacent layers of body tissue to mechanically secure the body tissue and activates the reinforcing system to non-mechanically secure the adjacent layers of body tissue to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventor: Russell HEINRICH
  • Patent number: 7682360
    Abstract: A debrider apparatus is disclosed. The debrider includes a first tubular member that is adapted to connect to a first potential of an electrosurgical generator. A second tubular member is at least partially disposed within the first tubular member and is adapted to connect to a second potential of the electrosurgical generator. At least one tubular member is selectively movable relative to the other. A first set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the first tubular member. A second set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the second tubular member. At least one switch is operably coupled to at least one of the tubular members and activates movement of one tubular member and supplies respective electrical potentials to the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Paul Guerra
  • Patent number: 7681579
    Abstract: A method for treating atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient includes placing an ultrasonic catheter in a first chamber of the heart; acquiring two-dimensional ultrasonic images of a second chamber of the heart and at least a portion of surrounding structures of the second chamber using the ultrasonic catheter placed in the first chamber; reconstructing a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the two-dimensional ultrasonic images; displaying the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; identifying at least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; marking the least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; penetrating the septum for accessing the second chamber of the heart while using the marked at least one key landmark for guidance; positioning a sheath through the penetrated septum and within the second chamber of the heart; inserting an ablation catheter through the sheath and into the second chamber of the heart; and abl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Yitzhack Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20100069903
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, James S. Cunningham, Victor K. Appel, Glenn A. Horner
  • Patent number: 7674258
    Abstract: An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Endoscopic Technologies, Inc. (ESTECH, Inc.)
    Inventor: David K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20100049193
    Abstract: An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a substantially malleable elongated tube-like shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end thereof. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like outer wall having a tube-like dielectric sheath at least partially disposed thereon. A tube-like electrode is disposed coaxially through the tube-like outer wall and is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy. A distal end of the tube-like electrode protrudes at least partially from a distal end of the tube-like outer wall and the tube-like electrode has at the distal end thereof at least one aspiration port defined therein. The tube-like electrode is adapted at the proximal end thereof to operably couple to a source of suction. A vacuum space is disposed concentrically between the tube-like electrode and the tube-like outer wall to impede the propagation of thermal energy along the tube-like shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Huseman
  • Publication number: 20100023008
    Abstract: An electrosurgical suction coagulator is disclosed having improved thermal insulation between the active electrode and adjacent tissue. In embodiments, passive insulation is used to control the transfer of thermal energy from an electrosurgical electrode into surrounding tissue. Braided, closed-sell foam material, and open cell foam materials may be used to thermally insulate the outer surface of a suction coagulator shaft from an inner electrode. In embodiments, a suction coagulator shaft includes an external covering formed from open-cell foam material, which may be saturated with a coolant, such as water or saline, to increase the thermal mass of the shaft. In other embodiments, active cooling delivers coolant to the operative site. In yet other embodiments, a suction coagulator shaft includes a cooling jacket through which coolant is passed to actively cool the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: David N. Heard, Joe D. Sartor
  • Publication number: 20100023007
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a desiccation device for operation on a target tissue is provided. The device includes a handle; a shaft extending distally from the handle, wherein the shaft defines a lumen therethrough; and a head having a loop configuration supported on a distal end of the shaft, the head being hollow and defining a lumen therethrough, said lumen being in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. At least a portion of the cutting head is electrically connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. A fluid is circulatable through the lumen of the shaft and the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, David N. Heard
  • Patent number: 7651494
    Abstract: The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm, at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode, and a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings. According to the invention, at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally moveable, and at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy. The invention also provides a corresponding method for treating blood vessels or other tissues of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. McClurken, Robert Luzzi
  • Publication number: 20100016855
    Abstract: Implementations of modular tools and methods of operating modular tools are described in the present disclosure. A modular tool according to one of several possible embodiments comprises a handle portion and a distal portion. The handle portion is configured to be manipulated by a user. The distal portion is configured to be attached to the handle portion, but is further configured to be removable from the handle portion by the user. Manipulation of the handle portion causes movement of one or more components of the distal portion. The distal portion is further configured to sense one or more parameters and transmit the sensed parameters to the handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Christopher J. Ullrich, Anne DeGheest
  • Publication number: 20100016856
    Abstract: A method for coagulating tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an electrosurgical apparatus including: an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis and at least one electrode mounted proximate to the tube for ionizing pressurized ionizable gas. The method also includes the steps of moving the distal end of the tube from a first position wherein the distal end is disposed in a generally parallel fashion relative to the tissue to a second position wherein the distal end directs pressurized ionizable gas flowing through the tube at an angle ? with respect to the longitudinal axis and igniting the pressurized ionized gas through the at least one electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Platt, JR.
  • Patent number: 7648503
    Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: 7645277
    Abstract: The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm, at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode, and a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings. According to the invention, at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally moveable, and at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy. The invention also provides a corresponding method for treating blood vessels or other tissues of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. McClurken, Robert Luzzi
  • Patent number: 7641651
    Abstract: An electrocautery device comprises first and second continuous loop electrode structures. The electrodes are typically coupled together at one end, permitting the electrodes to be introduced anteriorly and posteriorly over a uterine body. The electrodes may be clamped together, and radiofrequency energy may be delivered through the clamped electrodes to sever and cauterize blood vessels, tubular structures, and ligaments which connect the uterine body to surrounding tissue structures. The mobilized uterine body may then be removed by conventional hysterectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Aragon Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Camran Nezhat, Joseph Eder
  • Patent number: 7641652
    Abstract: Devices and methods for ligating and coagulating tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided having an end effector that is adapted to access tissue to be treated at a surgical site and has the capability to both ligate and coagulate the targeted tissue. The end effector can include at least one ligation band that is removably disposed in a delivery configuration on a portion of the end effector and is adapted to be configured in a tissue-engaging configuration upon release from the end effector. The end effector can also include a pair of spaced electrodes disposed adjacent to each other on a tissue contacting portion of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Coe, Omar Vakharia, Gary Long, Rudolph Nobis
  • Patent number: 7632267
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a target site, comprising a shaft having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising an active electrode including a fuse leg, the fuse leg adapted to break and disable the instrument upon applying a voltage differential between the active electrode and a return electrode for a predetermined amount of time. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of performing an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue, comprising: placing an electrosurgical instrument in close proximity to the target tissue, the electrosurgical instrument comprising an active electrode having a pre-selected portion adapted to break and disable the instrument upon applying a voltage differential thereto for a working time; and applying the voltage differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Dahla
  • Patent number: 7632266
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Scopton, Stephen J. Perry, John A. Griego, William J. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7628790
    Abstract: An electrocautery instrument in accordance with the present invention facilitates a relatively non-invasive procedure for treating small varicose and spider veins. In the furtherance of this and other objectives, an electrocautery device is provided that does not have to be inserted or into the veins in order to satisfactorily treat them. In particular, an exemplary electrocautery instrument can destroy the target tissue when brought into with the target vein. Moreover, the electrocautery instrument can destroy target veins without causing collateral damage to neighboring tissue. In the furtherance of this and other objectives a thin sheath of biocompatible material coats substantially the entire needle portion of the electrocautery instrument so as to prevent the exposure of neighboring tissue to its therapeutics. The sheath effectively shields surrounding tissue from exposure, while being sufficiently thin to allow for unobstructed insertion of the needle through the skin of a patient to the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kenna S. Given
  • Publication number: 20090299367
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a bore extending between the distal and proximal ends, a pair of jaws for severing vessel mounted on the distal end of the body, wherein at least one of the jaws has an electrically conductive material, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body, wherein in a first mode of operation, the electrically conductive material is for receiving energy from a DC source, and in a second mode of operation, the electrically conductive material is for receiving energy from a RF source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Fred Ginnebaugh, Ryan Abbott, Justin Williams, Kenny Dang, Rohit Girotra
  • Patent number: 7625370
    Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, Gary M. Johnson, Said S. Hilal, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton
  • Patent number: 7625372
    Abstract: An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a perimeter that increases as it extends proximally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brady D. Esch, Bob McRae, Arthur W. Zikorus, Michael S. Mirizzi, Christopher Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 7621909
    Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil configured and adapted to support an electrocautery blade. A strain gauge is affixed to the proximal end of the electrocautery blade and measures the displacement of the blade as a result of resistance and drag acting on the blade. The electrosurgical pencil also includes a meter electrically connected to the strain gauge for monitoring either a change in voltage, a change in electrical current or a change in optical wavelength. The amount of blade displacement as measured by the strain gauge is available for display to the surgeon and/or as sensory input for a control circuit in the electrosurgical generator that modulates the generator output waveform. The electrosurgical pencil further includes a control circuit electrically coupled between the electrocautery blade and the electrosurgical generator. The control circuit is configured and adapted to control power supplied to electrocautery blade based on the displacement measured by the strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Thomas L. Buchman, II, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Arlan J. Reschke
  • Publication number: 20090287206
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for an electrosurgical unit for the use in ablating and necrosing a living tissue by RF electric energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Myong-Ki JUN
  • Publication number: 20090287211
    Abstract: A cauterizing system having a cauterizer tool for performing cauterization procedures, a cauterizer cord for carrying power to the cauterizer tool, a plug and a power cord for carrying power from the plug to the cauterizer cord, and a housing in which is mounted a mechanism for retracting and extending the cauterizer cord and the power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan Fila, John Scott Berglin
  • Publication number: 20090275941
    Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Michael Hogan, Gene H. Arts, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Arlan J. Reschke
  • Patent number: 7611510
    Abstract: A multi-mode LLETZ or LEEP device for performing LLETZ surgery and argon plasma coagulation using a single device is disclosed. The disclosed device has a body with a channel therein and movable arms having a wire therebetween at a distal end of the body such that the arms may be extended to perform conventions LLETZ surgery or may be moved together for performing argon plasma or beam coagulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome Canady
  • Publication number: 20090270849
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to a system that produces an ionized gas flows that are configured to function as an electrode arrangement. A working end of an elongated member can use spaced apart conductive gas flows to coagulate or ablate tissue interstitially, intraluminally or topically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ARQOS Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Csaba Truckai, Akos Toth
  • Patent number: 7608072
    Abstract: Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20090259224
    Abstract: A method for electrosurgically sealing a tissue includes steps of: (A) applying a first pulse of RF energy to the tissue; and (B) applying at least one subsequent RF energy pulse to the tissue and keeping constant or varying RF energy parameters of individual pulses of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least one characteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during the individual RF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of the at least one subsequent RF pulse upon a determination that the electrical transient is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Steven P. Buysse, James H. Orszulak
  • Publication number: 20090259225
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Sundaram Ravikumar, H. Allan Alward, Robert F. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 7601150
    Abstract: An apparatus for argon-plasma coagulation (APC) is disclosed, in which after activation of the apparatus for APC a specified amount of noble gas flows out of the APC instrument before the high-frequency voltage for ionizing the noble gas is switched on, or can be switched on. As a result an increase in safety is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Farin
  • Publication number: 20090248007
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Capello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Giannescho, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Provongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Patent number: 7594914
    Abstract: Incision and closure surgical device designed to assist in operative surgery as a means of effecting and repairing skin wounds. A slide fastener is fitted to a self-adhesive sheet that is attached to the skin surface. The slider of the slide fastener contains a contact electrode for electrocoagulation fitted with a cutting edge. As the slide fastener is opened, the slider simultaneously effects the incision by means of the cutting edge of the electrode, severing both the flexible sheet and the skin beneath. For closing the incision, the stringer tapes of the slide fastener interlock by the action of the slider, thereby bringing both the edges of the flexible sheet and the wound beneath into apposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Pablo Cristian Luchetti
  • Patent number: 7585295
    Abstract: A combination pressurized airflow and thermal cutting tool constructed as a dual-use thermal airflow tool for directed heating and drying of a specific area in surgical procedures, such as, by way of example, in eye cataract surgery where it is primarily used for needs related to the operation of a thermal cutting tool. The thermal airflow tool comprises a probe having an elongated, hollow body adapted to provide electrical power to a burning ring formed at a distal end thereof, and an air channel for conducting pressurized airflow to the distal end of the probe, with at least two apertures radially disposed at the distal end of the probe. The thermal airflow tool is in physical and electrical connection with an air pressure unit and thermal power unit, respectively, for directing and concentrating at least one of the pressurized airflow and heat at the distal end of the thermal airflow tool onto a surgical area when electrical power is applied to the thermal airflow tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Itos International Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Ben-Nun
  • Publication number: 20090222004
    Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Terry S. Davison, Brian Warne
  • Patent number: 7582084
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: David K Swanson, Robert Burnside, James G. Whayne, Dorin Panescu
  • Patent number: 7582085
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the placement of a catheter within the human body, in a lumen or vessel such as the fallopian tubes, and controlling the catheter after placement. The system coordinates the operation of treatment electrodes on the catheter with informative displays and prompts to an operator, based on information derived from electrical parameters of position detection electrodes on the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Brett S. Bowman, Vijay Dhaka, Kenneth Kitlas, Douglas C. Harrington
  • Patent number: 7578817
    Abstract: A combination argon plasma coagulation (APC) and monopolar electrosurgical device and method are shown. An electrosurgical tool such as a spatula, hook, ball, or the like has a neck and a plurality of members biased to an open position. The electrosurgical tool is connected to the shaft having a channel therein for accommodating an APC probe. A collet is placed on the shaft and is provided with a mechanism such as threads to permit movement of the collet with respect to the shaft. Such movement causes the plurality of members of the surgical tool to move being open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome Canady
  • Patent number: 7578818
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the tissue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Robert C. Platt
  • Patent number: 7572257
    Abstract: A surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism is provided for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. A fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface may be provided in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: nContact Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 7572255
    Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Michael Hogan, Gene H. Arts, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Arlan J. Reschke
  • Patent number: 7566333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrosurgical probes suitable for tissue vaporization and cutting of tissue structures, more particularly for performing electrosurgical cutting, ablation (volumetric tissue vaporization), coagulating and/or modification within a body tissue, cavity or vessel or on the surface of a patient. The system and method of the present invention optionally include structure for irrigation and/or aspiration of the surgical site and therefore may be used in relatively dry environments such as in the context of oral, otolaryngological, laparoscopic, and dermatologic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Electromedical Associates LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Van Wyk, Yuval Carmel, Anatoly Shkvarunets
  • Patent number: 7566334
    Abstract: System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Christian, Paul T. Rothstein, Tom P. Daigle
  • Patent number: 7563261
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, system and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Electromedical Associates LLC
    Inventors: Yuval Carmel, Anatoly Shkvarunets, Robert A Van Wyk
  • Publication number: 20090171352
    Abstract: In an electro-surgical instrument (1), two electrode surfaces (25, 27) are provided for a first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) having different sizes, each forming a pair of electrodes with electrode surfaces (26, 28) of a second electrode (14, 16, 33). The smaller electrode surface (25) of the first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) can be used as the active electrode for cutting and the larger electrode surface (27) of the first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) is used for coagulation. During operation, the electrodes (14, 15, 16, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36) are connected to a two-pole outlet of a commercial generator that can switch between two output signals for cutting and coagulation. A layered, stacked structure of the effective area (8) of the instrument (1) of electrode bodies (14, 15, 16, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36) with intermediate insulating layers (17) allows a design resembling the shape of a knife or a blade (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SUTTER MEDIZINTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Bert Sutter
  • Patent number: 7549989
    Abstract: Devices for electrosurgery by means of oxy-hydro combustion. Deleterious effects to tissue are minimized by means of control of acid-base shift reactions, which reactions can further be employed to control oxy-hydro combustion reactions. In one embodiment, radiofrequency energy in electrical connection with electrodes is employed to induce electrolysis in an aqueous salt environment, thereby producing oxygen and hydrogen, with the same energy source employed to initiate a combustion reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: NuOrtho Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Morgan, Wayne K. Augé, N. Mani Prakash
  • Patent number: 7549990
    Abstract: Surgical scissors having argon plasma coagulation capability are shown. The surgical scissors include in their body a channel for receiving a flexible tube having a wire within it. The flexible tubing and wire within it are connected to a generator that provides electrical energy to the wire and argon or other inert gas to the tube. The flexible tubing travels a portion of the length of the scissors and ends with a coaxial connector in the proximity of the cutting edges of the scissors. An argon plasma coagulation sleeve is placed on the cutting end of one or both sides of the scissors and is connected to the flexible tubing and wire through the coaxial connector. Each sleeve has one or more ports for discharging electrified argon gas that coagulates tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome Canady