Surgery – Instruments – Electrical application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-06
2001-08-21
Dvorak, Linda C. M. (Department: 3739)
Surgery
Instruments
Electrical application
C606S046000, C606S048000, C606S050000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06277115
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for treatment of body tissues. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treatment, including vaporization and coagulation, of body tissues using an electrode comprising a porous metal in conjunction with a conductive fluid such as saline.
2. Description of Related Art
Electrosurgery has been used for treating body tissue, including coagulation, desiccation, and vaporization of tissue. A common method of performing electrosurgery involves injecting conductive fluid, such as saline solution, into the operational site. The conductive fluid serves to create an electrical path between the electrodes and the body tissue.
Continuous replenishment of the conductive fluid can be important during various procedures. The fluid can be absorbed by the patient's body. Furthermore, fluid may become contaminated, thus compromising its conductivity and/or other desirable characteristics, such as clarity.
When sufficient power is applied across the electrodes, the electrodes can become heated and may vaporize all fluid in immediate contact with the electrodes. The electrode may the heat up to a point where they are damaged.
To maintain a constant supply of conductive fluid at the operational site, fluid can be continuously introduced to the operational site. However, delivering the fluid to the area immediately adjacent the electrode, without adversely interfering with the electrode function, can be critical to system performance.
Consequently, there is a need to efficiently introduce fluid to an operational site, and specifically over the electrosurgical electrodes, without adversely impacting the function of the electrodes. The present invention satisfies these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly and in general terms, the present invention provides an electrosurgical instrument and system for treating tissue at a selected operation site, including a first electrode comprising porous conductive material, such as sintered metal, and a first electrical lead in electrical connection with the first electrode. The instrument may further include a fluid supply conduit in fluid communication with the porous metal of the first electrode, wherein fluid may be supplied to the operation site via the porous metal and fluid supply conduit. A fluid withdrawal conduit may be used to withdraw fluid from the operational site.
A second electrode may be positioned on the instrument. The second electrode may be formed of porous metal, forming the opening for a fluid withdrawal conduit through which fluid is extracted from the operational site.
The instrument may be part of an electrosurgical system including a power supply for generating a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. The system may further include a fluid source providing fluid to the operational site via the fluid supply conduit. A controller may be used to monitor and control the power supply, fluid source, and fluid withdrawal.
During a surgical procedure, the first electrode is positioned adjacent the tissue to be treated. Conductive fluid is introduced to the operational site by injecting fluid from a supply conduit through the porous metal of the first electrode. Electrical power is provided to the first electrode to effect the desired treatment.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Dvorak Linda C. M.
Ethicon Inc.
Kreger, Jr. Verne E.
Ruddy David M.
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