Radiofrequency fusion of cardiac tissue
US8070746B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/034
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.