Apparatus system and method for coagulating and cutting tissue

摘要

A combination tissue coagulation and cutting apparatus, system and method for coagulating and cutting tissue. A clamp element includes first and second clamp members having respective first and second porous electrodes, such as sintered metal electrodes. A portion of tissue, such as a blood vessel, is held between the porous electrodes, and fluid from a fluid source can pass through the porous electrodes. The tissue portion can be coagulated when electrical current is applied to the first and second porous electrodes, and an adjustable cutting element that is associated with the clamp members is positioned to cut a segment or all of the coagulated tissue portion. In this manner, the same surgical instrument is used to coagulate and cut tissue.

主权项

1. An electro-surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue, comprising:
a first clamp member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein a first porous electrode is attached to the inner surface of the distal end of the first clamp member; a second clamp member coupled to the first clamp at a pivot, at least one of the first and second clamp members being moveable about the pivot, the second clamp member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the second porous electrode is attached to the inner surface of the distal end of the second clamp member; an aperture or gap passing through the pivot; and a cutting element passing through the aperture or gap, wherein a position of the cutting element being adjustable for cutting the coagulated tissue portion when electrical current is conducted through the cutting element and the coagulated tissue portion.