Cut and seal instrument

摘要

A combined electrical tissue sealing and mechanical tissue cutting instrument. The instrument has two opposing jaw members. A removable cartridge is positioned in one of the jaw members. The cartridge includes a tissue sealing electrode and a tissue cutter. As either the tissue sealing electrode or the cutter deteriorates with use, the cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge. Cartridges are configured with various electrode geometries to accommodate various associated electro-surgical units. One or more pressure sensors in the cartridge or in the instrument jaw that supports the cartridge provide an indication that a required clamping pressure exists between the jaw members to carry out the tissue sealing. A cut and seal controller allows various actions to be carried out when particular clamping pressures are sensed, or when an indication that tissue sealing is complete is sensed.

主权项

1. A combined cutting and sealing surgical instrument comprising:
a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a first tissue sealing electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft; and a removable cartridge elongated in a direction between first and second ends of the cartridge, the cartridge being configured to be coupled to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the removable cartridge comprises a second tissue sealing electrode and a tissue cutter, the tissue cutter being movable along the direction of elongation and relative to the cartridge; and wherein the second tissue sealing electrode is positioned to oppose the first tissue sealing electrode when the cartridge is coupled to the distal end of the shaft.