Tissue fusion system, apparatus and method

摘要

A system for closing a wound tract after performing a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system includes a closure mechanism having a pair of arm portions that are arranged to adjust between an open and closed position. The closure mechanism includes an electrode that is electrically connected to a power source configured to provide an electrical current or waveform to the electrode. The closure mechanism can be delivered to the wound tract, where the arm portions are adjusted to their open configuration. The arm portions can be moved into engagement with the tissue surrounding the wound tract, where the arm portions can be opened further or closed to reduce the size of the wound tract. The waveform can be applied to the electrode to cauterize the wound, and the closure mechanism can be retracted.

主权项

1. A closure mechanism apparatus for closing a wound tract, the apparatus comprising:
a closure mechanism having a base member and a pair of rigid arms each individual arm of the pair of rigid arms pivotally mounted at a pivot point to the base member and being longitudinally and laterally fixed relative to the base member at the pivot point, the arms being configured for pivoting between an open configuration and a closed configuration for reducing the width of a wound tract, wherein the pivot point comprises a single pivot point shared by the pair of rigid arms or a dedicated pivot point for each individual arm; a first electrode disposed on the closure mechanism, the electrode configured for being electrically connected to a power source and energized to cauterize a wound tract when the width of the wound tract has been reduced by opening or closing the arms; and a linearly actuated mechanism comprising one of a block member or a ball member disposed between the arm members and including an elongate bar member mounted thereto and being extendable between the arm members, wherein the arms are moved toward the open configuration by retracting the elongate bar proximally to slide the block or ball member along an inner surface of each of the arm members to force the arm members open, and the arms are closed by advancing a tubular body over the arm members with the block member or ball member disengaged from the arm members, wherein the tubular body is moveable relative to the block member or ball member.