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.