Patent classifications
A61B2018/00696
Estimating a temperature during ablation
A method for use with an intra-body probe, a distal end of which includes an ablation electrode and a temperature sensor, is described. While (i) the ablation electrode is driving an ablating current into tissue of a subject, and (ii) fluid is passed from the distal end of the intra-body probe at a fluid-flow rate, a processor receives a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The processor estimates a temperature of the tissue, based at least on the sensed temperature and at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: the fluid-flow rate, and a parameter of the ablating current. The processor generates an output in response to the estimated temperature. Other embodiments are also described.
System and methods for determining proximity relative to an anatomical structure
A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.
System and method for assessing lesions in tissue
A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.
Surgical dissectors configured to apply mechanical and electrical energy
A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.
Estimating a temperature during ablation
A method for use with an intra-body probe, a distal end of which includes an ablation electrode and a temperature sensor, is described. While (i) the ablation electrode is driving an ablating current into tissue of a subject, and (ii) fluid is passed from the distal end of the intra-body probe at a fluid-flow rate, a processor receives a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The processor estimates a temperature of the tissue, based at least on the sensed temperature and at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: the fluid-flow rate, and a parameter of the ablating current. The processor generates an output in response to the estimated temperature. Other embodiments are also described.
IDENTIFICATION OF ELECTROSURGICAL ATTACHMENTS USING COLOR INDICATORS
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical attachment having a plug with an indicator. The system may also include an electrosurgical generator having a port configured to couple to the plug. The port may include a detection circuit having: a light emitting device configured to illuminate the indicator with a light and an optical module configured to measure the light reflected by the indicator and determine a color of the indicator. The system may also include a controller configured to identify a type of the electrosurgical attachment based on the color of the indicator.
MULTIPLEXED HAND SWITCHES FOR USE WITH ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATORS
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device having: a main switch, a button configured to actuate the main switch, at least one secondary switch, and a movable component configured to actuate the second switch. The system also includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical device, the electrosurgical generator is configured to generate an electrosurgical output in response to actuation of the main switch and the at least one secondary switch.
SURGICAL METHODS FOR CONTROL OF ONE VISUALIZATION WITH ANOTHER
In general, devices, systems, and methods for control of one visualization with another are provided.
Surgical suturing instrument configured to manipulate tissue using mechanical and electrical power
A surgical instrument comprising a jaw assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor-driven drive system configured to open the jaw assembly. The surgical instrument also comprises a control system configured to control the drive system and, also, control a power supply system configured to supply electrical power to electrodes defined in the outer surface, or outer surfaces, of the jaw assembly. In use, the surgical instrument can be used to apply mechanical energy and electrical energy to the tissue of a patient at the same time, or at different times. In certain embodiments, the user controls when the mechanical and electrical energies are applied. In some embodiments, the control system controls when the mechanical and electrical energies are applied.
SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE TUMOR MAPPING FOR COMPUTER-GUIDED LASER SURGERY
Disclosed are systems and techniques for providing laser treatment. For example, a vasculature structure associated with a tissue region can be determined. Based on the vasculature structure, one or more laser parameters for configuring a laser to deliver laser energy to at least one blood vessel within the tissue region can be determined. Laser energy can be delivered to the at least one blood vessel to halt blood flow to a targeted area within the tissue region.