Dual-mode electrosurgical devices and electrosurgical methods using same

摘要

Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

主权项

1. A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure on a living subject in which target tissue of interest within a surgical site is first cut or vaporized then desiccated so as to produce hemostasis at said site, said method comprising the steps of: a. introducing a dual-mode electrosurgical device into the subject, wherein said dual-mode electrosurgical device comprises a distal end active electrode characterized by (i) a tubular proximal portion that includes at least one irrigation port configured to introduce a conductive irrigant to the surgical site and (ii) a flattened distal portion comprising a blade element having a top side and a bottom side that terminates in a distal-most cutting edge, b. manipulating said device to the surgical site; c. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply high-density RF energy to tissue at said surgical site so as to cut or vaporize said tissue; and d. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply a lower-density RF energy to said surgical site so as to desiccate remaining tissue and produce hemostasis at said site, wherein said conductive irrigant is supplied on command to the surgical site via said at least one irrigation port between steps (c) and (d) so as to reduce the current density and thus produce desiccation of tissue in contact with said conductive irrigant.