Surgical instruments for tensioning tissue
US9259265B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1455
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a plurality of jaws which can be configured to compress tissue therebetween. The end effector can further comprise one or more electrodes which can be configured to direct a flow of electrical current through the tissue in order to heat the tissue and denature collagen and/or other proteins within the tissue. As the tissue cools, the collagen and/or other proteins can renature and thereby seal the tissue. In certain embodiments, the end effector of the surgical instrument can further comprise movable portions which can apply a tension force to the tissue surrounding the tissue being sealed. In various circumstances, the tension force can reduce the over-denaturation, shrinkage, and/or other damage to the surrounding tissue caused by heat flowing from the end effector during the sealing process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.