METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CREATING THERMAL ZONES WITHIN AN ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

Surgical instruments and methods for controlling temperature are described herein and can have particular utility when sealing tissue. In one embodiment, an end effector can include first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween, and an electrode having a single continuous conductive surface that is coupled to the first jaw member. The end effector can also include a plurality of electrical insulators of varying thermal conductivity disposed between the electrode and the first jaw member coupled thereto. The electrode can be divided into a plurality of thermal zones by at least one opening formed therein and the plurality of electrical insulators can be arranged such that at least a first thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a first thermal conductivity and at least a second thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity.

主权项

1. A surgical end effector, comprising:
first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween; an electrode having a single continuous conductive surface coupled to the first jaw member such that the electrode contacts tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members when in the closed position; and a plurality of electrical insulators of varying thermal conductivity disposed between the electrode and the first jaw member coupled thereto, wherein the electrode is divided into a plurality of thermal zones by at least one opening formed therein and the plurality of electrical insulators are arranged such that at least a first thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a first thermal conductivity and at least a second thermal zone contacts an electrical insulator having a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity.