Ryan S Patrick

US Patent:

20080004616, Jan 3, 2008

Filed:

Sep 6, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/899633

Inventors:

Ryan Patrick - Fort Collins CO, US

International Classification:

A61B 18/14

US Classification:

606038000

Abstract:

An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue has a handle. A chassis on the handle extends axially for axial movement. A tube may move axial relative to the chassis. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of the tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing or cutting surfaces for partial mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another. The effector and the part can be removably attached to the distal end or member, respectively. The partial mating complimentary surfaces may be normal or skewed relative to the axis and may be curvelinear, flat, parallel, circular, elliptical, triangular or have at least one conjugating rib and slot. A method of use has the steps of holding and manipulating the sealer/cutter, moving the chassis relative to the tube, positioning the effector and the port to contact tissue, along the axis coupling bipolar electrodes to the effector and part, electrically isolating the electrodes, selectively coupling the generator to the electrodes for supplying bipolar electrosurgery. Supporting the activator for moving axially relative to one another, the patient part and the effector so tissue therebetween is sealed or cut by applying compression and bipolar electrosurgery across the first and second electrodes are steps.