Apparatus and method for integrated vessel ligator and transector

An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising:

• an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
• a first loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a second loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a cutter moveable relative to the first and second loop members between a first position and a second position, wherein the cutter is configured to traverse a region between the first and second loop members during movement between the first and second positions;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the cutter for controlling movement of the cutter;
• wherein the second loop member is spaced from the first loop member, and intersects an area confined by the first loop member;
• wherein the first loop member has a first outer dimension measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, the second loop member has a second outer dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and the second outer dimension is less than the first outer dimension;
• and
• wherein the first and second loop members are electrically conductive for receiving electrical signal applied thereto.

An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising:

• an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
• a first loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a second loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a cutter moveable relative to the first and second loop members between a first position and a second position, wherein the cutter is configured to cut tissue and to traverse a region between the first and second loop members during movement between the first and second positions;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the cutter for controlling movement of the cutter;
• wherein the second loop member is fixed in position relative to the first loop member, and cooperates with the first loop member to prevent an object from moving proximally;
• and
• wherein the cutter is positionable to a location that is intermediate the first and second loop members.

An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising:

• an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
• a first loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a second loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a cutter moveable relative to the first and second loop members between a first position and a second position, wherein the cutter is configured to traverse a region between the first and second loop members during movement between the first and second positions;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the cutter for controlling movement of the cutter;
• wherein the second loop member is spaced from the first loop member, and cooperates with the first loop member to prevent an object from moving proximally;
• and
• wherein the first loop member has a first outer dimension measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, the second loop member has a second outer dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and the second outer dimension is less than the first outer dimension.

An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising:

• an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
• a first loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a second loop member at the distal end of the elongated body;
• a cutter moveable relative to the first and second loop members between a first position and a second position, wherein the cutter is configured to traverse a region between the first and second loop members during movement between the first and second positions;
• a handle;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the cutter for controlling movement of the cutter between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator is coupled to the handle;
• wherein the first loop member extends distally from a first side at the distal end of the elongated body, the second loop member extends from a second side at the distal end of the elongated body that is opposite from the first side;
• and
• wherein the first loop and the second loop intersects at a location that is distal to the distal end of the elongated body.