Electrosurgical probe and method of use
US7169146B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00797
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrosurgical instrument that allows precise modulation of active Rf density in an engaged tissue volume. The working end of the instrument has a tissue-contacting surface of a conductive-resistive matrix that is variably resistive depending on its temperature. The matrix comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) polymeric material hat exhibits very large increases in resistivity as any local portion increases beyond a selected temperature. In a method of use, the polymeric PTC material senses the temperature of engaged tissue in a manner akin to pixel-by-pixel sensing and thereby changes its resistance in a corresponding pixel-by-pixel manner. The instrument further carries cooling means to cause accelerated thermal relaxation of the PTC matrix during use to make the engagement surface highly responsive to temperature changes that in turn alter the matrix between being electrically conductive and electrically resistive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.