Patent classifications
A61B2018/1226
Devices and methods with monopolar and bipolar functionality
Surgical devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying monopolar energy and bipolar energy to tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided with an end effector that has first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, and a conductive member that extends through the end effector. The conductive member has a retracted position in which the conductive member is substantially disposed within the end effector and an extended position in which the conductive member extends at least partially distally beyond the end effector. The conductive member is configured to conduct energy through tissue adjacent thereto when the conductive member is in the extended position. A trigger coupled to the handle is pivotally movable to move the conductive member between the retracted and extended positions.
Modular battery powered handheld surgical instrument with selective application of energy based on tissue characterization
A surgical system is disclosed including impedance sensors and a control circuit. The impedance sensors are configured to apply a therapeutic level of RF energy to tissue, sense a real time impedance of the tissue, sense a first tissue impedance based on an initial contact with the tissue, sense a second tissue impedance of the tissue without applying a therapeutic amount of RF energy to the tissue. The control circuit is configured to determine a control parameter of a motor based on the first tissue impedance and the second tissue impedance, determine a percentage of use of an end effector, detect a change of the real time impedance of the tissue, adjust the control parameter of the motor based on the change of the real time impedance and the percentage of use of the end effector, and control delivery of a therapeutic energy application to the tissue.
Delivering Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Using Implantable Transducer Arrays
Tumor treating fields (TTFields) can be delivered by implanting a plurality of sets of implantable electrode elements within a person’s body. Temperature sensors positioned to measure the temperature at the electrode elements are also implanted, along with a circuit that collects temperature measurements from the temperature sensors. In some embodiments, an AC voltage generator configured to apply an AC voltage across the plurality of sets of electrode elements is also implanted within the person’s body.
APPARATUS FOR THE CONNECTION OF ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES
A surgical instrument is configured to consist of two separable parts. The first part includes a disposable end effector unit, including an electrosurgical end effector and mechanical drive componentry. The second part includes a reusable electronics unit, containing the RF electronic circuitry of the instrument. A user-releasable complementary interface is provided on each part, allowing the parts to be connected in use. Providing a division of components in this manner improves the sterility of the device, providing easier cleaning of the reusable part of the instrument.
Managing simultaneous monopolar outputs using duty cycle and synchronization
Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for managing simultaneous outputs of surgical instruments. In some aspects, methods are presented for synchronizing the current frequencies. In some aspects, methods are presented for conducting duty cycling of energy outputs of two or more instruments. In some aspects, systems are presented for managing simultaneous monopolar outputs of two or more instruments, including providing a return pad that properly handles both monopolar outputs in some cases.
CUTTING MECHANISMS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTOR ASSEMBLIES, INSTRUMENTS, AND SYSTEMS
An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.
Method for constructing and using a modular surgical energy system with multiple devices
A method for constructing a modular surgical system is disclosed. The method comprises providing a header module comprising a first power backplane segment, providing a surgical module comprising a second power backplane segment, assembling the header module and the surgical module to electrically couple the first power backplane segment and the second power backplane segment to each other to form a power backplane, and applying power to the surgical module through the power backplane.
BATTERY ASSEMBLY FOR MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT UNIT
A battery assembly for a medical instrument that an operator can grip by a hand and operate, includes: a battery including a first laminated body unit including a solid electrolyte layer and configured to generate electrical energy; a casing including a wall section configured to store the battery inside; and a support provided in the casing and configured to support the battery apart from the wall section in a lamination direction of the first laminated body unit.
Harvesting energy from a surgical generator
Various embodiments are directed surgical devices and systems and methods for use with a surgical device to harvest energy from a surgical generator. The surgical device may comprise an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be in electrical communication with a surgical generator connection to provide energy from a surgical generator to charge the energy storage device and in electrical communication with at least one load component to be powered by the energy storage device. The surgical device may also comprise an end effector at least one energy element for treating tissue. The at least one energy element may be in electrical communication with the surgical generator connection to provide a therapeutic drive signal to the energy element.
SYSTEM AND METHOD TO TRACK USAGE OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
- Craig N. Faller ,
- Benjamin D. Dickerson ,
- Jeffrey L. Aldridge ,
- Jeffrey A. Bullock ,
- Richard W. Timm ,
- Ryan M. Asher ,
- Timothy S. Holland ,
- Craig T. Davis ,
- Christina M. Hough ,
- Cory G. Kimball ,
- Ashvani K. Madan ,
- David C. Yates ,
- Shan Wan ,
- Jacob S. Gee ,
- Joseph E. Hollo ,
- Chad P. Boudreaux ,
- John B. Schulte ,
- Tylor C. Muhlenkamp ,
- Brian D. Black
Systems, devices, and methods are operable to track usage of a surgical instrument and modify the performance of the surgical instrument based on the prior usage of the surgical instrument. Some surgical instruments are designed to have a limited service life beginning at their first use, or a limit to their overall usage in order to ensure safe use of the sensitive instruments. However, a lack of ability to track usage characteristics when the instrument is separated from an external power supply allows for user abuse and avoidance of such safety mechanisms. Adding a battery or capacitor to the instrument may allow for an ability to track usage when the instrument is separated from an external power supply. Implementing special user prompts, device use ratios, and device use half-life upon powering down of an instrument may additionally be used to prevent circumvention of safety features.