Bipolar Electrodes Patents (Class 606/50)
  • Patent number: 9023042
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical coagulator utilizes a handle having distal and proximal ends with a conductor carried by the handle and having coaxial inner and outer electrically conductive elements. The conductor extends from the distal end of the handle to a coagulating tip, with the proximal end of the conductor secured within the handle for electrical interconnection with a power source entering the handle at its proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Keith Huron
  • Patent number: 9011437
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The surgical instrument may have a indicator to provide feedback signals during the operational stroke. The feedback signals assist in regulating the rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Patrick A. Weizman, Gwendolyn P. Payne, Donna L. Korvick, David K. Norvell
  • Patent number: 9005198
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to tissue of a patient includes a handle, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The surgical instrument further includes a first electrode with a first distal portion, a second electrode with a second distal portion, and a third electrode with a third distal portion, wherein each distal portion is configured to contact the tissue. The second distal portion surrounds the first distal portion and the third distal portion surrounds the second distal portion. A first gap is defined between the first distal portion and the second distal portion. A second gap is defined between the second distal portion and the third distal portion. The first electrode includes a sharp end configured to penetrate the tissue and the second distal portion includes a plurality of projections extending toward third distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Long, William D. Dannaher, David N. Plescia, Omar J. Vakharia
  • Patent number: 9005197
    Abstract: A medical instrument is provided for a ablating tissue. The medical instrument has an inner bipolar electrode and an outer bipolar electrode. The inner and outer electrodes are separated by an insulation layer. The inner and outer electrodes form a loop that may be rotated around a tumor to ablate the tumor tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Karol Lagodzki
  • Publication number: 20150094719
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device that can be used to remove pedunculated tissue structures such as polyps and certain uterine fibroids includes bipolar surface electrodes and a bipolar snare. The device includes a probe having a proximal end and a distal end, bipolar surface electrodes adjacent to the distal end of the probe, and a bipolar snare extending distally from the distal end of the probe and including first and second snare electrodes. The bipolar surface electrodes are separated from each other by a gap and extend over a portion of the distal end of the probe. Providing both a bipolar snare and bipolar surface electrodes advantageously reduces thermal spread from occurring (compared to the use of a monopolar snare) when using the snare to excise the tissue. The bipolar surface electrodes can be used to coagulate the point of excision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kester BATCHELOR, Tracey DOBBS, Jyue Boon LIM, Nikhil MURDESHWAR, Tsuyoshi HAYASHIDA, Richard CURTIS
  • Patent number: 8979845
    Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps for efficiently severing of hollow organs, in particular vessels. The electrosurgical forceps have a first branch and a second branch for gripping the hollow organ. The forceps have at least one neutral electrode on the second branch, at least one first coagulation electrode and a second coagulation electrode that is disposed on the first branch for applying a first HF current by means of the coagulation electrode, and at least one cutting device, which is arranged between the coagulation electrodes in order to sever the hollow organ in a cutting region. The cutting device has a cutting electrode for applying a second HF current between the cutting and neutral electrodes. The coagulation electrodes are arranged spaced apart from one another in such a way that the first HF current does not flow through or only a minor amount of the same flows through the cutting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Schäller, Klaus Fischer, Dieter Hafner
  • Patent number: 8974455
    Abstract: A medical coagulation instrument having a shaft as well as at least one electrode tip that extends beyond the distal end of the shaft. To create a coagulation instrument whose electrodes are of simple structure and ensure an atraumatic and safe handling, at least one electrode tip should be widened or be configured as widening in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Bacher, Rainer Hermle
  • Patent number: 8968304
    Abstract: A medical device includes a steering unit at a proximal portion of a catheter to steer operations of a heating unit at a distal portion of the catheter. The steering unit includes a main body portion interlocked with the catheter; a slide portion interlocked with the heating unit and slidable relative to the main body portion; a guide unit interlocked with the main body portion and fixed to the slide portion for movement therewith; and an input connector electrically connected with the heating unit and connectable with an output connector for supplying electric energy to the heating unit. The guide unit hinders connection between the input connector and the output connector. A cutout portion enables connection between the input and output connectors when the guide unit moves with respect to the main body portion and the heating unit moves to a position at which the biological tissue is heatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukitoshi Katou
  • Patent number: 8968303
    Abstract: In a method suitable for tissue fusion or coagulation, after the start of treatment of the tissue, i.e., after completion of a first phase, a second phase is commenced, during which the biological tissue is treated for a certain specified process time with moderate energy input. The specification of a negative internal resistance of a supplying source enables the process in the second phase to have a treatment time that remains constant and thus avoids premature drying-out of the tissue. A sufficient and reliable bonding of the participating proteins in the moist milieu is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Schall, Achim Brodbeck, Martin Fritz
  • Patent number: 8968345
    Abstract: A surgical introducer including a body portion, a shaft and a sensor is disclosed. The body portion includes a reference indicator. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is positionable adjacent the body portion. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the body portion and includes a longitudinal indicator and a circumferential indicator. The sensor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the shaft and is adapted to provide physiological data pertaining to a surgical worksite. At least a portion of the sensor is substantially aligned with the circumferential indicator. Rotation of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the circumferential indicator and the reference indicator. Longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the longitudinal indicator and the reference indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arnold V. DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 8920417
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first U-shaped electrode at a distal end of the shaft, and a second blade shaped electrode at the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode includes a spherical distal end. And the second electrode is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by an aperture. In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first electrode at a distal end of the shaft defining an aperture and comprising a pointed tip, and a second electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft that is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Conley, Jonathan J. Barry, Roger D. Greeley, Chad M. Greenlaw, Lorenzo C. Vaccarella, Joseph Sylvester
  • Patent number: 8915910
    Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, 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: 8915913
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, the instrument including two gripping parts which can be brought together into a gripping direction or moved apart counter to the gripping direction. At least one gripping part includes three or more electrically conductive sections, electrically insulated relative to each other. Each electrically conductive section may be separately connected to a high frequency (RF) current generator such that each electrically conductive section can be configured in various electrical configurations by the RF current generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Daniel Schäller, Achim Brodbeck, Markus Enderle
  • Patent number: 8906012
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip adjacent a distal end of the shaft, with the first electrode tip spaced from the second electrode tip and wherein the first electrode tip comprises a first U-shaped electrode and the second electrode tip comprises a second U-shaped electrode, and at least one fluid outlet. In another embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, and a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent a distal end of the shaft with the first electrode coplanar with the second electrode and comprising a wire electrode having a U-shape which surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode and is spaced from the second electrode by an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Conley, Jonathan J. Barry, Roger D. Greeley, Chad M. Greenlaw
  • Patent number: 8882764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an intraosseous nerve. The method includes positioning a hollow shaft through the cortical shell of a vertebral body and into a cancellous bone region of the vertebral body. The hollow shaft includes an annular wall having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a first window extending transversely through the annular wall. An electrosurgical probe is advanced within the longitudinal bore from the proximal portion toward the distal portion. The electrosurgical probe includes a first treatment element at a distal end of the probe, wherein the first treatment element being in electrical connection with a power supply. The first treatment element is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore so that the first treatment element is advanced radially outward from the window and shaft to affect treatment of the intraosseous nerve within the cancellous bone region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Relievant Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Sutton, Thomas Ryan, Samit Patel, Richard Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 8876819
    Abstract: A magnetically-guided catheter 100 includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter 100 includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing 146 that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, James V. Kauphusman
  • Patent number: 8870866
    Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventor: Jean Woloszko
  • Patent number: 8852228
    Abstract: A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8845635
    Abstract: A tissue ablation device and method for tissue ablation are described. The tissue ablation device comprises an energy source and an introducer coupled to the energy source, the introducer having a body, a proximal end, and a distal end. The introducer carries an electrode array that comprises a plurality of electrodes, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes is configured to extend from the body of the introducer when moved from a retracted state to a deployed state. The electrode array is designed to encircle a portion of a target tissue when the electrodes are extended into the deployed state and to form a relatively spherical shaped ablation pattern in a tissue volume surrounding the target tissue when energized by the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: S.D.M.H. PTY. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven A. Daniel, David L. Morris, Kee Sein Lee
  • Patent number: 8818514
    Abstract: Methods for intravascularly-induced renal neuromodulation. In some embodiments, a method can include positioning a pair of bipolar electrodes within renal vasculature of a human patient and expanding a balloon within the renal vasculature. The method can further include delivering an electric field via the bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8814865
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and a first electrically conductive cutting plate. The pair of opposing first and second jaw members is movable to cooperatively grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes a tissue contacting plate that is disposed thereon and has a longitudinal channel that is defined therealong. The first electrically conductive cutting plate includes a cutting element that extends along the first electrically conductive cutting plate and into the longitudinal channel of the first jaw member to engage and electrosurgically sever tissue upon activation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arlan J. Reschke
  • Patent number: 8805481
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: CyberHeart, Inc.
    Inventors: Thilaka Sumanaweera, Patrick Maguire, Roderick A. Young
  • Patent number: 8795276
    Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. The second jaw can comprise a first electrode and a second electrode while the first jaw can comprise an opposing electrode positioned opposite the first electrode and the second electrode when the jaws are in their closed position. The first and second electrodes can be independently and/or sequentially operated in order to conduct current between the first and second electrodes and opposing electrode in order to draw the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws toward the center of the first and second jaws and weld the tissue. In various other embodiments, other firing sequences of the electrodes are contemplated. During and/or after such tissue welding processes, a cutting member can be advanced to cut the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Zhifan F. Huang, David A. Witt, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Raymond M. Banks, Mary E. Mootoo, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Foster B. Stulen, Prasanna Malaviya, Gregory W. Johnson, Paul Guerra
  • Patent number: 8771269
    Abstract: A radio frequency tissue ablation system with a radio frequency generator, the generator comprising a radio frequency source, at least four independently controllable radio frequency outputs, a user interface and a controller configured to delivery radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the radio frequency outputs in one of at least two different output configurations in response to a configuration selection made through the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Marshall L. Sherman, Randell L. Werneth, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8764743
    Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
  • Patent number: 8764744
    Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided. The system includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing one or more control algorithms. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is operably disposed along a length of the microwave antenna. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is disposed in electrical communication with one another and each of the plurality of spaced-apart electrodes has a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8764735
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Coe, James W. Voegele, Gary L. Long, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Kyle P. Moore, Robert P. Gill
  • Patent number: 8764747
    Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. One or both of the first and second jaws can comprise a plurality of electrodes which can be sequentially activated. The electrodes can be activated in a predetermined order in connection with a cutting member being advanced through the tissue. In various embodiments, the electrodes can be deactivated in a predetermined order. In certain embodiments, the electrodes can be comprised of a positive temperature coefficient material which can allow the electrodes to be sequentially deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Cummings, Andrew T. Beckman, Bradley E. White, Christopher J. Schall, Cory G. Kimball, Al Mirel
  • Patent number: 8764748
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps is provided. The end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members operatively connected to each other about a pivot. Each jaw member includes a structural support member having a seal plate secured thereto. Each of the seal plates defines a slot having a depth and configured to translate a knife blade therethrough. The combined depth of the slot is greater than the height of the knife blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 8734441
    Abstract: The effects produced by surgical devices that deploy an electrical circuit between electrodes are dependent on the nature of electrical work perform upon the conductive media in an around biologic tissues. Non-ablation radiofrequency surgical devices utilize a protective housing that provides, based upon procedure-specific needs, the ability to 1. move, manipulate, and segregate near-field effects both tangentially and perpendicularly to the tissue surface, 2. deliver far-field electromagnetic effects to tissue unencumbered by current deposition, and 3. serve as a 20 mechanical adjunct to and a selective throttling vent/plenum for energy delivery. Because the electrodes are non-tissue-contacting, this study characterizes the effects that non-ablation radiofrequency energy exerts upon interfacing media typically encountered during surgical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: NuOrtho Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Morgan, Wayne K. Auge, II
  • Patent number: 8721639
    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 generally spherical or toroidal geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael S. Mirizzi, Christopher Scott Jones, Arthur W. Zikorus
  • Patent number: 8702702
    Abstract: A mechanical cutting device that makes use of mechanical (rotary) motion and suction to engage tissue also applies a cutting energy sufficient to vaporize the tissue. The rotation and suction are used to engage the tissue (sucking tissue into cutting windows when the cutting windows of inner and outer blades are aligned), and then the cutting member(s) function as an electrode(s) by having an electrical cutting signal applied thereto so that the cutting member(s) electrically cut the tissue as the cutting members relatively rotate. The electrical cutting signal is only applied as the windows become aligned up until the cutting of the tissue is completed. The cutting signal preferably is stopped after the cutting windows become misaligned. While the cutting windows are misaligned, a coagulation signal can be supplied to the cutting member so that the device functions as an electrocautery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Edwards, Phillip A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8702700
    Abstract: A surgical treatment device which is used together with an endoscope, includes a sheath, a treatment portion which is arranged at the distal end portion of the sheath and includes first to third electrodes configured to treat a living tissue by using electrical energy, an operation portion which is arranged at a proximal end portion of the sheath and which is configured to operate the treatment portion, and a switching portion which is configured to switch between a first mode in which a treatment is given by using the first electrode and at least one of the second and third electrodes in the treatment portion and a second mode in which a treatment is given by using the second and third electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Maeda, Hideyuki Kasahara, Akihito Kano, Hiroaki Ichikawa, Susumu Komagata, Randal J. Kadykowski
  • Patent number: 8702703
    Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Stewart, Tom P. Daigle, David E. Francischelli, John R. Liddicoat, Paul T. Rothstein, Steven F. Bolling
  • Patent number: 8690871
    Abstract: A catheter handle includes a handle body. A steering control mechanism is displaceably carried on the handle body. An electrode sheath carrier is carried on the handle body, the electrode sheath carrier being displaceable at least relative to the steering control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cathrx Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Partlett, Zoran Milijasevic, Neil Lawrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 8685009
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Igoris Misuchenko, Georgy Martsinovskiy, Mikhail Verbitsky, Nataliya Chernova
  • Publication number: 20140088593
    Abstract: Herein described is a novel cable assembly that is free from additional resistor, capacitor and inductor components and suitable for connecting a bipolar device to the monopolar active and return receptacles of a standard multipurpose electrosurgical generator. The cable assembly of the instant invention uses a conventional connector currently in use for either hand or foot control of electrosurgical pencils and a standard connector currently in use for dispersive electrodes; either single-foil (solid) or dual-foil (split) configuration connectors may be used. No resistors, capacitors, inductors transformers, or interface circuitry are incorporated in the cable or connectors distal to the electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ElectroMedical Associates LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. VAN WYK, Yuval CARMEL, Anatoly SHKVARUNETS
  • Patent number: 8679115
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and a first electrically conductive cutting plate. The pair of opposing first and second jaw members is movable to cooperatively grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes a tissue contacting plate that is disposed thereon and has a longitudinal channel that is defined therealong. The first electrically conductive cutting plate includes a cutting element that extends along the first electrically conductive cutting plate and into the longitudinal channel of the first jaw member to engage and electrosurgically sever tissue upon activation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arlan J. Reschke
  • Publication number: 20140066929
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20140066930
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a sleeve member, a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member extends distally of the sleeve member and has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. An irrigation annulus is formed about the electrodes. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8663216
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to non-thermally generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Paul O. Davison, Jean Woloszko, Tom Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8657818
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the tube, and a tool that is rotatable and translatable relative to the tube, wherein the handle includes a control for rotating the tool relative to the tube, and wherein the control is coupled to the tool such that a movement of the control through an angle ?c rotates the tool relative to the tube by an angle ?t that is greater or less than ?c, and wherein the angle ?c is variable as determined by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventor: Arthur M. Lin
  • Patent number: 8655454
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the treatment of tissue with microwave energy. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize an antenna assembly which includes an elongate member, an outer conductor, an inner conductor, at least a portion of which is deployable, and a cooling system. The cooling system disclosed herein may significantly curtail any theoretical, or potential negative effects upon the target tissue experienced during the transmission of microwave energy to the antenna assembly due to ohmic heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Tao Nguyen, Christopher T. Rusin
  • Publication number: 20140025072
    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 generally spherical or toroidal geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Covidien LP
  • Patent number: 8632538
    Abstract: A medical device for delivering RF energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a bio-compatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Pearson, Robert Garabedian, Robert F. Rioux
  • Patent number: 8632564
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members being partially manufactured from a shape memory alloy (SMA). Each of the first and second jaw members adapted to connect to a heat source and an electrical electrosurgical energy source. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other from a normally open spaced configuration to a closed configuration upon transition of the SMA from a martensite phase to an austenite phase as a result of selectively supplying heat from the heat source thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James S. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20140012258
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8623012
    Abstract: An electrosurgical probe having a plenum which prevents contact of the active electrode with tissue, while simultaneously allowing a fluid/interfacing agents to contact the active electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: NuOrtho Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Morgan, Wayne K. Auge, II
  • Patent number: 8623016
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrosurgical instrument comprising two articulated branches, which can be actuated in the manner of a squeezing tool. The instrument further comprises electrode parts at the distal ends of the branches for grasping tissue and for conducting a coagulating current through the tissue in order to cause it to coagulate as well as current-supplying devices for supplying the coagulating current to the electrode parts from an HF generator. At least one device for preventing a short circuit is arranged and configured on the electrode parts in such a way that the electrode parts are unable to touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Fischer
  • Patent number: 8597287
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is capable of selectively varying the power applied to an electrosurgical probe, without interruption or discontinuity, in a variable mode or providing a constant coagulation power value to the probe. In a fixed mode, power to the electrosurgical probe must be discontinued to change the power level output by the probe. A single controller is capable of operating the probe in the variable mode and the fixed mode. The controller includes an actuator for stopping the cutting operation and then switching to a constant coagulation output during either of the variable mode or the fixed mode. The controller of the system may selectively control a separate surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steffan A. Benamou, Brannon P. Wells, Saheel B. Sutaria