Abstract:
In accordance with various embodiments, methods for controlling electrical power provided to tissue via a surgical device may comprise providing a drive signal. A power of the drive signal may be proportional to a power provided to the tissue via the surgical device. The methods may also comprise periodically receiving indications of an impedance of the tissue and applying a first composite power curve to the tissue, wherein applying the first composite power curve to the tissue comprises. Applying the first composite power curve to the tissue may comprise modulating a first predetermined number of first composite power curve pulses on the drive signal; and for each of the first composite power curve pulses, determining a pulse power and a pulse width according to a first function of the impedance of the tissue The methods may also comprise applying a second composite power curve to the tissue. Applying the second composite power curve to the tissue may comprise modulating at least one second composite power curve pulse on the drive signal; and for each of the at least one second composite power curve pulses, determining a pulse power and a pulse width according to a second function of the impedance of the tissue.
Abstract:
A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical stapling instrument includes an end effector capable of applying bipolar RF energy into tissue. The end effector has a first pole electrode and a second pole electrode for forming an RF contact circuit with tissue. At least one of the electrodes may have a dielectric coating thereon to create a RF circuit with tissue. The dielectric coating can cover one of the electrodes to create a capacitive coupling circuit with tissue, or can have at least one open passageway extending through the dielectric coating to enable tissue contact with the electrode and the passage of RF energy therethrough. The dielectric coating on the electrode can be masked to create passageways through the dielectric, or the dielectric coating can be locally removed with a variety of techniques to form passageways. The dielectric coating may provide a barrier to prevent shorting between the dielectrically coated electrode and a conductive fastener embedded within tissue. Alternately, a cartridge coating can be used to reduce an electric surface sheet charge on the cartridge thermoplastic that can occur during the application of RF energy to tissue.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion can be sterilized separately from the first portion. The first portion can comprise an anvil, a staple cartridge channel and/or staple cartridge, and a movable cutting member. The second portion can comprise electronic components configured to control the surgical instrument and/or record data collected during the use of the surgical instrument. The first portion can be sterilized using a gamma radiation sterilization process while the second portion can be sterilized using a different sterilization process, such as steam, ethylene oxide, ozone, and/or hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes, for example. As a result, the first and second portions can be sterilized separately and delivered in two separate containers. The second portion can be stored within a sealed bag and can include an electrical terminal which can penetrate the bag and communicate with the first portion.
Abstract:
Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device.
Abstract:
The present invention relates, in general, to electrosurgical instruments and, more particularly, to a feedback light used in cooperation with an electrosurgical instrument. The present invention further comprises first and second moveable jaws. A first electrode is housed within the first moveable jaw and a second electrode is housed within the second moveable jaw, where the electrodes are connectable to a power source for providing an electric current between the electrodes. The present invention further comprises a feedback light connectable to a first lead and a second lead in order to form a second circuit, where the second circuit is adjacent to the first circuit in order to facilitate capacitive coupling between the first and second circuits in order to light a feedback light.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a bipolar electrosurgical end effector for use in medical instruments. A bipolar end effector according to the present invention includes a tissue slot and electrodes arranged on either side of the tissue slot. The opposing electrodes are electrically connected such that tissue passing through the slot is electrically treated with electrosurgical current passing laterally through the tissue. An end effector according to the present invention further includes a tissue separator arranged at the end of the slot to divide tissue as it is passed through the slot and after it is treated.
Abstract:
Query electrodes are provided for monitoring the electrical impedance of tissue as it is treated with electrosurgical energy. In one embodiment, based on a predicted model of tissue impedance and a number of initial impedance readings, the impedance at which tissue treatment is completed is predicted. More particularly, a minimum impedance level is measured and a function of the minimum impedance is used to determine impedance at which coagulation is completed. A control device is provided for bringing the output of the generator within an optimum range based on a system load curve. In one embodiment the impedance monitoring device is used in conjunction with a bipolar electrosurgical instrument. Preferably, the instrument comprises electrically opposite therapeutic electrodes, each located on one or more tissue engaging surfaces for engaging tissue to be treated, and electrically opposite query electrodes, located on one or more tissue engaging surfaces. The therapeutic electrodes provide therapeutic energy to the tissue while the query electrodes provide a lower voltage electrical sensing energy for the purpose of measuring tissue impedance at various stages, e.g. before, during, or after tissue treatment.
Abstract:
A hemostatic surgical instrument is provided for coagulation, cauterization and/or welding of tissue especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument compresses the tissue between interfacing surfaces of first and second elements. A preferred application of the invention is in a cutting instrument wherein a hemostatic line is formed along a cut line using therapeutic heat energy. Surgical fasteners, for example, staples may be also included in the instrument.
Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element movable along a cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through one or more energy delivering electrodes associated with a tissue affecting portion of the tool to tissue adjacent the electrodes. One or more additional electrodes, such as return electrodes, form a second pole of the bipolar electrical connection are also associated with the tissue affecting portion and are electrically isolated from the energy delivering electrode. Various combinations of electrically conductive and electrically isolated elements associated with the tissue affecting portion of the device can be used as the two poles of the bipolar system.