Sealing and/or cutting instrument

摘要

A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a first surface; a second surface movable into a position adjacent the first surface; and a thermally active element coupled to one of the first surface and the second surface, the thermally active element configured to be connectable to a power supply, the thermally active element comprising a conductor and a ferromagnetic material disposed about the conductor such that electrical power passing through the conductor causes the ferromagnetic material to heat; wherein heat is generated in the thermally active element and conducted from the thermally active element to tissue to thereby treat the tissue; wherein the power supply further comprises a control for applying a first power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to seal tissue, and for applying a second power setting to the thermally active element to heat the thermally active element to a temperature sufficient to cut tissue; and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coupled to each other via a parallel movement linkage, and wherein the parallel movement linkage comprises a pantograph linkage.