Vacuum coagulation probes
AssigneenContact Surgical, Inc.
InventorsJames G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman, Earl W. Rogers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for using a surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source and a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
Claims16
A method of applying energy to tissue, the method comprising:
- advancing a treatment device comprising an electrode to a surface of tissue, where the treatment device comprises an opening exposing the electrode, the treatment device also comprising a vacuum lumen and a fluid perfusion lumen, where both the vacuum lumen and fluid perfusion lumen are fluidly coupled to the opening;
- positioning the opening against the surface of tissue;
- applying a vacuum in the vacuum source to reduce pressure in both the vacuum lumen and the opening, whereupon the reduced pressure causes the tissue to form a seal about the opening, where formation of the seal causes the fluid perfusion lumen to reduce in pressure causing fluid flow through the fluid perfusion lumen across the opening and through the vacuum lumen, where breaking of the seal prevents fluid flow;
- and
- observing the fluid flow to confirm engagement between the electrode and the surface of tissue;
- applying energy from the electrode to the surface of tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.