Dual-mode electrosurgical devices and electrosurgical methods using same
AssigneeElectroMedical Associates, LLC
InventorsRobert A. Van Wyk, Yuval Carmel, Anatoly Shkvarunets
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Abstract
Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.
Claims20
A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure on a living subject in which target tissue of interest within a surgical site is treated, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. introducing a dual-mode electrosurgical device into the subject, wherein said dual-mode electrosurgical device comprises a distal end active electrode characterized by (i) a tubular proximal portion, a distal end of which includes at least one irrigation port configured to introduce a conductive irrigant to the surgical site and (ii) an elongate distal portion that extends from the distal end of said tubular proximal portion and thereby defines said at least one irrigation port,
- b. manipulating said device to the surgical site;
- c. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply a low density RF energy to said surgical site so as to desiccate tissue and produce hemostasis at said site, wherein said conductive irrigant is supplied on command to the surgical site via said at least one irrigation port during or prior to the application of said low density RF so as to reduce the effective current density and thus produce desiccation of tissue in contact with said conductive irrigant;
- and
- d. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply a higher-density RF energy to tissue at said surgical site so as to cut or vaporize said tissue either before or after the performance of step (c).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.