Bipolar electrosurgical features for targeted hemostasis

US9572622B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Chester O. Baxter, III · Loveland, US
• David C. Yates · Morrow, US
• John V. Hunt · Cincinnati, US
• Kreena R. Modi · Akron, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 10, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2218/002
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus is configured to operate on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector with an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is configured to pivot relative to the lower jaw. The apparatus also includes an electrode cap coupled to either the upper or lower jaw. The electrode cap includes a first electrode surface configured at a first polarity and a second electrode surface configured at a second polarity. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. The electrode cap is configured to be applied to tissue such that the electrode cap is operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to the tissue. The electrode cap may be used to selectively weld bleeding tissue in a localized fashion, without having to place the tissue between the jaws, and without having to use an instrument separate from the jaws.