US6860880B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrothermal instrument for sealing and joining or cutting tissue
Assignee: Columbia University
•
Filing: 2002-11-12
•
Granted: 2005-03-01
•
Expires: 2022-11-12
Abstract
Abstract An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. Treat
- 👤 Fred H. Co
- 👤 George D. Hermann
- 👤 Thomas A. Howell
- 👤 Theodore R. Kucklick
- 👤 Michelle Y. Monfort
- 👤 Kenneth H. Mollenauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1442; A61B18/1445; A61B18/08; A61B18/082; A61B18/085; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/32; A61B18/1402; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2945; A61B17/320068; A61B2017/320069; A61B2017/320071; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00089; A61B2018/00095; A61B2018/00101; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00136; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00404; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00595; A61B2018/00601; A61B2018/00619; A61B2018/0063; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00666; A61B2018/00684; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00726; A61B2018/00761; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00886; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/1226; A61B2018/1266; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1412; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1432; A61B2018/1452; A61B2018/1455; A61B90/00; A61B90/06; A61B2090/064; A61F; A61F7/00; A61F7/007; A61F2007/0077; A61F2007/0078
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 74
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A tissue cutting and sealing instrument comprising two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has an electrically resistant heating element thereon, the electrically resistant heating element being operable independent of contact with body tissue, the working surfaces being dimensioned to securely hold tissue therebetween during tissue cutting and sealing, wherein both of the working surfaces are dimensioned wider than the heating element such that a zone of tissue adjacent to the heating element may be cut while a zone of tissue on either side of the cut tissue may be sealed, and wherein the zone where the tissue is cut and the zones where the tissue is sealed are disposed between the working surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A tissue cutting and sealing instrument comprising two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has an electrically resistant heating element thereon, the electrically resistant heating element being operable independent of contact with body tissue, the working surfaces being dimensioned to securely hold tissue therebetween during tissue cutting and sealing, wherein both of the working surfaces are dimensioned wider than the heating element such that a zone of tissue adjacent to the heating element may be cut while a zone of tissue on either side of the cut tissue may be sealed, and wherein the zone where the tissue is cut and the zones where the tissue is sealed are disposed between the working surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the electrically resistant heating element is adapted to heat tissue without passing current through the tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the electrically resistant heating element is adapted to heat tissue without relying on ohmic heating of the tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element has an ohmic resistance lower than the ohmic resistance of body tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element comprises an electrically resistant wire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein an operative area of the heating element is electrically insulated from at least one of the working members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein an operative area of the heating element is electrically insulated from the working surface of at least one of the working members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , further comprising an insulator between an operative area of the heating element and at least one of the working members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is thermally insulated from the working members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is adapted both to seal and to cut tissue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the instrument is adapted to cut tissue adjacent to the heating element and to seal tissue on either side of the heating element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the working members are electrically insulated from one-another.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a heating element actuator that is responsive to a pre-determined pressure to activate the heating element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element and the opposing working surfaces apply pressure on tissue positioned between the working members as the device is closed.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces comprises a non-stick material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces is textured.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 8 , wherein the insulator evens out the pressure on the tissue disposed between the working members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 8 , wherein the insulator comprises a sleeve at the distal end of one or both working members.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 18 , wherein the insulator comprises a non-stick polymeric material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 8 , wherein the insulator prevents heat dissipation and focuses heat on the tissue disposed therebetween.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element uses one of the working members as an electrical conductor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 1 , wherein the heating element loops around the distal end of the working member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
66 words
A tissue cutting and sealing instrument which comprises two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has a heating element comprising an electrically resistant wire positioned on top of the working surface, such that the to and sides of the heating element are positioned to contact tissue held between the working members.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
66 words
A tissue cutting and sealing instrument which comprises two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has a heating element comprising an electrically resistant wire positioned on top of the working surface, such that the to and sides of the heating element are positioned to contact tissue held between the working members.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire has an ohmic resistance lower than the ohmic resistance of body tissue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein an operative area of the wire is electrically insulated from the working members.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein an operative area of the wire is electrically insulated from the working surface of at least one of the working members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , further comprising an insulator between an operative area of the wire and at least one of the working members.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire is thermally insulated from the working members.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire is adapted both to seal and to cut tissue.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the instrument is adapted to cut tissue between the working members and adjacent to the wire and to seal tissue between the working members and on either side of the wire.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the working members are electrically insulated from one another.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , further comprising a heating element actuator that is responsive to a pre- determined pressure to activate the wire.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire and the opposing working surfaces apply pressure on tissue positioned between the working members as the device is closed.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces comprises a non-stick material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces is textured.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 27 , wherein the insulator evens out the pressure on the tissue disposed between the working members.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 27 , wherein the insulator comprises a sleeve at the distal end of one or both working members.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 27 , wherein the insulator comprises of a non-stick polymeric material.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 27 , wherein the insulator prevents heat dissipation and focuses heat on the tissue disposed therebetween.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire uses one of the working members as an electrical conductor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire loops around the distal end of the working member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue cutting and sealing instrument of claim 23 , wherein the wire is centrally located on one of the working surfaces.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
111 words
A surgical instrument which comprises two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has a heating element comprising an electrically resistant wire, and wherein the working surfaces are dimensioned such that when tissue is held therebetween, a zone of the tissue positioned adjacent to the wire may be cut while a zone of the tissue on either side of the cut tissue may be sealed, and wherein the working surfaces are dimensioned such that mechanical pressure may be exerted to the tissue both in the zone where tissue is cut and the zones where tissue is sealed.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
111 words
A surgical instrument which comprises two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has a heating element comprising an electrically resistant wire, and wherein the working surfaces are dimensioned such that when tissue is held therebetween, a zone of the tissue positioned adjacent to the wire may be cut while a zone of the tissue on either side of the cut tissue may be sealed, and wherein the working surfaces are dimensioned such that mechanical pressure may be exerted to the tissue both in the zone where tissue is cut and the zones where tissue is sealed.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the zone of tissue which is cut is heated to a higher temperature than the zones of tissue which are sealed.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the wire has an ohmic resistance lower than the ohmic resistance of body tissue.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein an operative area of the wire is electrically insulated from the working members.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein an operative area of the wire is electrically insulated from at least one of the working surfaces of the working members.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , further comprising an insulator between an operative area of the wire and at least one of the working members.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , further comprising an insulator between an operative area of the wire and the working surfaces of at least one of the working members.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the wire is thermally insulated from the working members.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the working members are electrically insulated from one another.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , further comprising a heating element actuator that is responsive to a pre-determined pressure to activate the wire.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the wire and the opposing working surfaces apply pressure on tissue positioned between the working members as the device is closed.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces comprises a non-stick material.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces is textured.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , further comprising an insulator which evens out the pressure on the tissue disposed between the working members.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical instrument of claim 56 , wherein the insulator comprises a sleeve at the distal end of one or both working members.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical instrument of claim 56 , wherein the insulator comprises of a non-stick polymeric material.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical instrument of claim 58 , wherein the insulator prevents heat dissipation and focuses heat on the tissue disposed therebetween.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the wire uses one of the working members as an electrical conductor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical instrument of claim 43 , wherein the wire loops around the distal end of the working member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
50 words
A surgical instrument comprising two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has an electrically resistant heating element thereon, and a heating element actuator that is responsive to a pre-determined pressure to activate the heating element.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
50 words
A surgical instrument comprising two oppositely-positioned working members each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface, wherein at least one working surface has an electrically resistant heating element thereon, and a heating element actuator that is responsive to a pre-determined pressure to activate the heating element.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein the heating element comprises an electrically resistant wire.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein an operative area of the heating element is electrically insulated from at least one of the working members.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein an operative area of the heating element is electrically insulated from the working surface of at least one of the working members.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein the heating element is thermally insulated from the working members.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein the heating element and the opposing working surfaces apply pressure on tissue positioned between the working members as the device is closed.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces comprises a non-stick material.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , wherein at least one of the working surfaces is textured.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical instrument of claim 62 , further comprising an insulator which evens out the pressure on the tissue disposed between the working members.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-02-29 | 2008-08-30 | 2009-03-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-08-30 | 2013-03-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-02-29 | 2016-08-30 | 2017-03-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |