Electric plasma-mediated cutting and coagulation of tissue and surgical apparatus
US8177783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00607
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting electrode performs both functions. The cutting is performed by a blade edge generating a local plasma adapted for cutting. Superimposed on the blade edge is an electrode of greater surface area electrically insulated from the cutting electrode, for coagulation. In another version, a single component cutting/coagulation blade (electrode) has a cutting and a flat partially insulated portion defining through holes in the insulation for coagulation. Also provided is an electrical circuit whereby each electrode is isolated by a filter from cross talk and feedback of the RF signal from the other electrode, minimizing arcing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.