Bonding of soft biological tissues by passing high frequency electric current therethrough
US6562037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/034
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A technique for bonding soft biological tissue having an incision therein with forceps adapted to grip a portion of the tissue on both sides of the incision. Electrodes are secured to the forceps for contacting the tissue portion. An electrical power source provides a high frequency electrical signal to the electrodes to be passed through the tissue portion. The electrical power source is controlled to provide the electrodes with one voltage signal during a first of two stages, and another voltage signal during a second of the two stages. During the first stage the voltage rises linearly. During the second stage, the voltage is stabilized and is modulated with a low frequency rectangular signal. A clamping means applies force with the forceps to compress the tissue at one level or at different levels during two time periods while the high frequency voltage is passed through the electrodes. The tissue impedance is measured as a function of time, with its minimal value being determined and stored. At an instant when the impedance reaches its minimal value, the linear rise of the high frequency voltage is stopped, and the voltage is stabilized at the attained level. After that the rat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.