System and method for reducing post-surgical complications
OwnerD. Bommi Bommannan, Michael D. Lauferinventors
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Abstract
Systems and methods for reducing or minimizing post-surgical complications are described. By applying energy to tissues under specifically controlled conditions, the formation of adhesions in response to cutting or other damage of those tissue may be eliminated or significantly reduced. According to an embodiment of the method of the invention, energy application is controlled to heat the tissue within a range of 61 to 100 degrees centigrade. In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes an easily manipulated applicator, having a scissor-like configuration and a controller for the energy application.
Claims45
A method for treating tissue to reduce post-surgical adhesions, comprising:
- applying energy at a surgical site in a controlled manner;
- measuring at least one treatment completion parameter at said site, said parameter indicative of an amount of energy applied to said surgical site;
- and
- terminating said applying when said treatment completion parameter reaches a value corresponding to a reduction in said post-surgical adhesions.
A method for treating tissue to reduce post-surgical adhesions, comprising:
- applying energy at a surgical site to heat the tissue in a controlled manner without ablating or cauterizing tissue;
- measuring the temperature and monitoring the time of heat application at said surgical site;
- and
- terminating said applying when temperature has been maintained at between about 61° C. and 100° C. for less than about 60 seconds to reduce post-surgical adhesions from incisions to be made at said surgical site.
A system for reducing incidence of post-surgical adhesions at surgical sites, comprising:
- an applicator member;
- at least one treatment element disposed on said applicator member;
- a sensor disposed on said applicator member adjacent said at least one treatment element;
- and
- a control unit communicating with said sensor and treatment element, wherein the control unit controls the treatment element in response to signals from the sensor to deliver energy to tissue contacted by the treatment element in a controlled manner to reduce the occurrence of post-surgical adhesions due to subsequent incisions at said surgical sites, wherein said applicator member comprises:
- an elongate member;
- and
- a plurality of expandable flanges positioned at one end of said member, wherein a treatment element is disposed on each of said expandable flanges.
A method of training a person to treat tissue to reduce incidence of post-surgical adhesions that comprises demonstrating or instructing the performance of the following steps:
- applying energy at a surgical site in a controlled manner;
- measuring at least one treatment completion parameter at said site, said parameter indicative of an amount of energy applied to said surgical site;
- and
- terminating said applying when said treatment completion parameter reaches a value corresponding to a reduction in said post-surgical adhesions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.