Electrosurgical instrument comprising sequentially activated electrodes

US8764747B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John F. Cummings · Madeira, US
• Andrew T. Beckman · Cincinnati, US
• Bradley E. White · Cincinnati, US
• Christopher J. Schall · Cincinnati, US
• Cory G. Kimball · Cincinnati, US
• Al Mirel · Redwood City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 10, 2010
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2014
• Expiry date: Apr 9, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0811
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. One or both of the first and second jaws can comprise a plurality of electrodes which can be sequentially activated. The electrodes can be activated in a predetermined order in connection with a cutting member being advanced through the tissue. In various embodiments, the electrodes can be deactivated in a predetermined order. In certain embodiments, the electrodes can be comprised of a positive temperature coefficient material which can allow the electrodes to be sequentially deactivated.