# US 9,872,730 B2 · Microwave coaptive surgical sealing tool

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- Number: US 9,872,730 B2
- Document ID: US9872730B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/282,698
- Filed: 2016-09-30
- Published: 2017-04-27
- Granted: 2018-01-23
- Earliest claimed: 2012-09-27
- Assignees: City of Hope
- Applicants: City of Hope
- Inventors: Gagandeep Singh
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9872730B2

## CPC

- A61B 18/1815: {using microwaves}
- A61B 18/1442: {Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps}
- A61B 2018/00166: {Multiple lumina}
- A61B 2018/00404: {Blood vessels other than those in or around the heart}
- A61B 2018/00529: {Liver}
- A61B 2018/0063: {Sealing}
- A61B 2018/00922: {by switching or controlling the treatment energy directly within the hand-piece}
- A61B 2018/1823: {Generators therefor}
- A61B 2218/002: Irrigation
- A61B 2218/007: Aspiration
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing ablative therapy microwave generators. The tool may be provided with irrigation and/or suction.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A surgical tool comprising:
first and second arms, each having a front section and a back section, and with the arms pivotally attached to each other at a pivot connection between the first and second arms;
first and second jaws on the front section of the first and second arms, respectively;
a biasing element coupled to the first and second arms such that the biasing element biases the arms away from each other;
first and second electrodes coupled to the first and second jaws, respectively;
a microwave generator coupled via a cable to the first and second electrodes;
one or more irrigation fluid outlets in or adjacent to one or both of the first or second electrode; and
a switch configured to apply microwave energy from the microwave generator and to supply irrigation fluid through the one or more irrigation fluid outlets when the switch is activated.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws each have a width of 3-7 mm, a length of 5 to 9 cm, and a finger ring on the back section of each arm.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws each have a width of 4-6 mm.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, further comprising first and second connectors electrically connected to the first and second electrodes and adapted to connect to the microwave generator.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, further including a suction port on the first arm or the second arm and connected to a suction line leading to one or more suction openings in or adjacent to the first or second electrode.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, further including a longitudinal projection on the first electrode and a complementary groove on the second electrode.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein the one or more irrigation fluid outlets are connected to an irrigation port on the first arm via an irrigation line.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein the switch is connected to the microwave generator and to a source of irrigation fluid connected to the irrigation port.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein the irrigation line comprises a flexible tube attached to the tool.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein the irrigation line comprises an internal duct leading from the first arm to the first electrode.

### Claim 11 (depends on 7)

The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein the irrigation line is attached to and extends along an outer surface of the first arm.

### Claim 12 (depends on 7)

The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein the irrigation line extends within an insulating material.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is a spring.