Microwave coagulating scalpel
AssigneeResearch Corporation
InventorLeonard S. Taylor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microwave coagulating scalpel which simultaneously severs and coagulates highly vascular tissue is disclosed. The scalpel blade forms both a cutting edge and a microwave radiator loop, with the diameter of the loop related to the wave length of the microwave frequency, when the microwave energy is propogated in highly vascular tissue. A range of 100 MH.sub.z to 13,000 MH.sub.z is disclosed with preferential frequencies at 915 MH.sub.z, 2450 MH.sub.z and 5800 MH.sub.z. A bolometer and threshold switch to de-energize the microwave source when the blade is removed from the highly vascular tissues also is disclosed.
Claims40
A surgical instrument for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue, said instrument comprising:
- (a) means for generating microwave energy having a frequency selected from the range of 100 MH.sub.z to 13,000 MH.sub.z ;
- (b) a scalpel blade having a cutting edge for severing tissue, said blade also having a microwave radiator means therein for emitting microwave radiations in the proximity of said cutting edge;
- (c) means for manipulating said scalpel blade which includes an insulating means to enable a surgeon to manipulate the cutting edge and obtain tactile feedback therefrom;
- (d) insulated conductor means for transmitting said microwave energy to said microwave radiator means.
A surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue, said instrument comprising:
- (a) a microwave generator for generating microwave energy having a frequency between 400 MH.sub.z and 13,000 MH.sub.z ;
- (b) a microwave radiator means having an integral surgical cutting edge for severing tissue, said radiator means providing a loop radiator for said energy, said loop having a diameter on the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of said microwave energy, when said energy is propogated through tissue;
- (c) conductor means for transmitting said microwave energy from said microwave generator to said microwave radiator means;
- (d) means for manipulating said cutting edge and energizing said microwave generator when said cutting edge engages said tissue.
A surgical instrument for radiating microwave energy to coagulate tissue severed during surgery, said instrument comprising:
- (a) a scalpel blade assembly for microwave surgery, said blade assembly having;
- (i) a microwave radiator mounted within said blade assembly, said radiator radiating a near field of microwave radiation when coupled to a source of microwave energy;
- (ii) a surgical cutting edge for severing tissue during surgery, said cutting edge traversing the near field of microwave radiation created by said microwave radiator;
- (b) a handle means for supporting said blade assembly during surgery;
- (c) coupling means for receiving microwave energy having a frequency selected from the range of 400 MH.sub.z to 13,000 MH.sub.z and supplying said energy to said radiator.
A disposable microwave scalpel for use with a means for generating microwave energy in the frequency range of 100 MH.sub.z to 13,000 MH.sub.z said disposable scalpel comprising:
- (a) a scalpel blade, said blade having;
- (i) a surgical cutting edge for severing tissue;
- (ii) a microwave radiator in the proximity of the cutting edge for coagulating fluids in the tissue severed by said cutting edge;
- (b) an insulated handle means for manipulating said edge and said radiator to enable the surgeon to manipulate the cutting edge and obtain tactile feedback therefrom;
- (c) a means for coupling said radiator to a source of microwave energy.
A method for simultaneously cutting and/or coagulating tissue, said method comprising:
- (a) generating microwave energy having a frequency of 100 MH.sub.z to 13,000 MH.sub.z ;
- (b) conducting said microwave energy through a conductor to a microwave radiator formed within a scalpel blade to propogate microwave energy;
- (c) simultaneously:
- (i) severing said tissue with a surgical cutting edge formed on said scalpel blade while;
- (ii) radiating microwave energy from said radiator to cauterize the severed tissue and coagulate vascular fluids contained therein,
- (d) removing said microwave radiator after said tissue has been cut and said fluids coagulated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.