US7074219B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrosurgery with cooled electrodes
Assignee: Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc
•
Filing: 2003-01-29
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Granted: 2006-07-11
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Expires: 2023-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A cooled electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device having at least one electrode for applying electrical energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the electrode includes an internal cavity in which a cooling medium such as water is contained. The internal cavity is closed at both ends of the device such that the cooling medium is contained within the electrode at the surgical site such that the cooling medium does not contact the tissue being treated. The electrosurgical device has an electrode and a heat pipe to conduct heat from the electrodes where substantially all heat conducted from the electrode through the heat pipe is dissipated along the length of the heat pipe. The heat pipe can have a thermal time constant less than 60 seconds and preferably less than 30 seconds.
Inventors
- 👤 Andy H. Levine
- 👤 John C. Meade
- 👤 Philip R. Lichtman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1402; A61B18/1442; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
47 words
A medical device comprising: an end effector for applying a first energy modality to treat tissue; and a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid for conducting heat energy, created by the first energy modality treating the tissue, away from the end effector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
47 words
A medical device comprising: an end effector for applying a first energy modality to treat tissue; and a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid for conducting heat energy, created by the first energy modality treating the tissue, away from the end effector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical device of claim 1 wherein an end effector-tissue interface temperature is maintained at less than about 80° C.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
36 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying electrical energy to tissue with an end effector to heat the tissue; and cooling the end effector with a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
36 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying electrical energy to tissue with an end effector to heat the tissue; and cooling the end effector with a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising maintaining an end effector-tissue interface temperature of less than about 80° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 1 wherein the first energy modality is electrical energy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medical device of claim 1 further comprising a heat exchanger to conduct heat away from the heat pipe.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying a first energy modality to an end effector to treat tissue; and conducting heat energy, created by the first energy modality treating the tissue, away from the end effector with a heat pipe having a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying a first energy modality to an end effector to treat tissue; and conducting heat energy, created by the first energy modality treating the tissue, away from the end effector with a heat pipe having a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
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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) | 2009-07-10 | 2010-01-09 | 2010-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-07-10 | 2014-01-09 | 2014-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-07-10 | 2018-01-09 | 2018-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |