Surgery – Instruments – Electrical application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-09
2001-02-20
Cohen, Lee (Department: 3739)
Surgery
Instruments
Electrical application
C606S050000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190386
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to a bipolar electrosurgical coagulating forceps instrument, and in particular to a bipolar forceps instrument for laparoscopic or other scope-type surgical procedures and having in addition one or more spaced apart needle electrodes which can be selectively extended from the distal end of the instrument.
The benefits of a bipolar electrosurgical instrument are well recognized within the medical profession. In particular, a bipolar instrument provides a physician with greater control of the location of electrical activity within a patient during a surgical procedure. As opposed to a monopolar device, which requires a base plate electrode usually situated at a remote location from the surgery site and therefore requiring passage of current through a portion of the body of the patient, a bipolar device confines electrical activity at the site of the surgical procedure.
Certain treatment procedures are best performed by combining the coagulation of some tissue with a bipolar forceps instrument and a coagulation of other tissue with smaller bipolar electrodes such as needles. For example, a myoma can be treated by first coagulating tissue surrounding the tumor, followed by piercing the tumor with needle electrodes to cause desiccation thereof and a gradual shrinkage.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an electrosurgical instrument having functionality as both a bipolar forceps instrument and a bipolar needle electrode instrument.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrosurgical instrument for use in laparoscopic or other scope-type procedures and having bipolar forceps jaw or pads and one or more bipolar needle electrodes.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electrosurgical instrument wherein bipolar needle electrodes thereof are selectively extendable and retractable.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an electrosurgical coagulation instrument specifically designed to be insertable through a cannula for use in coagulating tissue during a laparoscopic or other scope-type procedure and having both bipolar forceps jaw pads and bipolar needle electrodes which are selectively extendable from the distal end of the instrument as end effectors. The instrument comprises a first elongated, generally rigid outer tube member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a second elongated inner tube member coaxially disposed within the lumen of the first tube member and having a proximal end and a distal end. A pair of electrical conductors are in contact with an electric terminal member at their distal end, and extend longitudinally through the second elongated tube member in side-by-side insulated relationship to terminate distally from the tube member. Opposing first and second conductive pads are secured to the distal ends of the respective first and second conductors to thereby provide forceps jaw pads. One and possibly two electrically conductive wires having proximal ends secured within a longitudinally-slidable, exteriorly accessible knob member extend through the first elongated tube member alongside the second tube member to terminate at their distal ends as needle electrode(s) within electrically conductive chambers or bores of the respective pads. Each of the wire or wire(s) is electrically insulated except at its distal needle end within the bore of the pad. Longitudinal movement distally of the slidable knob member causes the needle end(s) to extend distally beyond the pads.
Opening and closing of the jaw pads comprising the end effectors is accomplished by translational movement of the second elongated tube member to thereby cause its distal end to converge on opposing ramps of each of the conductors. Specifically, each conductor has an uninsulated first zone at its distal end to which the respective pad is attached. Immediately proximal to the first zone is a second insulated zone where each conductor is bent outwardly to form a ramp configuration. A proximally disposed handle means operates to longitudinally advance and retract the second tube member, thereby closing the pad jaws when the second tube member moves distally and opening the pad jaws when the second tube member is thereafter retracted proximally.
In operation, current is supplied to the conductors to thereby activate each of the forceps jaw pads and produce a bipolar instrument. Simultaneously, because of their electrical contact with the pads through the respective electrically conductive bores, the needle electrode(s) is/are likewise activated. When the activated needle electrodes are extended distally by manipulating the knob member, they can be inserted into tissue as indicated to thereby provide treatment. Retracting the needle electrodes into the bores of the pads is accomplished by again manipulating the knob member. After such retraction, the instrument again functions as a bipolar forceps device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5007908 (1991-04-01), Rydell
patent: 5083565 (1992-01-01), Parins
patent: 5217460 (1993-06-01), Knoepfler
patent: 5258006 (1993-11-01), Rydell et al.
patent: 5342359 (1994-08-01), Rydell
patent: 5445638 (1995-08-01), Rydell et al.
Cohen Lee
Everest Medical Corporation
Nikolai Mersereau & Dietz, P.A.
LandOfFree
Electrosurgical forceps with needle electrodes does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electrosurgical forceps with needle electrodes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrosurgical forceps with needle electrodes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2606195