Articulable electrosurgical instrument with a stabilizable articulation actuator
US8870867B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0811
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the technology provide an articulable electrosurgical instrument and methods of performing electrosurgery with an articulating capability. The electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having an end effector associated with a distal end thereof that is able to deliver energy to a target tissue site. An articulable joint is positioned between that shaft and the end effector. Articulation of the articulable joint is controlled by a stabilizable articulation actuator, which may include a rotatably stabilizable disk residing within a well. The end effector may take the form of forceps including an upper and a lower jaw; the jaws are configured to grasp target tissue and to deliver energy, such as radiofrequency energy. In some of these instruments, the end effector is adapted to seal tissue by the application of radiofrequency energy, and then to cut through the sealed tissue portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.