Apparatus and method for integrated vessel ligator and transector

摘要

Surgical treatment of tissue includes electro cauterization of blood vessels interposed between spaced sets of electrodes of opposite polarity, and includes transection of such tissue by a cutter that is mounted between the spaced sets of electrodes for translational and lateral movement relative to the sets of electrodes. Orientations of the sets of electrodes within a range of angles about an elongated axis of a supporting body are controlled by manual movement of an actuator mounted near a proximal end of the body for movement through a smaller range of angles via linkage connecting the actuator to the electrodes. Tissue dissection with gas insufflation to form an anatomical space in tissue is facilitated by a fluid outlet port located near the tissue-dissecting tip at the distal end of the elongated body that delivers through the tissue-dissecting tip to the dissected tissue a fluid under pressure that is supplied along a lumen within the elongated body.