Apparatus and method for sealing and cutting tissue

Abstract

An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue has a handle. A chassis on the handle extends axially for axial movement. A tube may move axial relative to the chassis. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of the tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing or cutting surfaces for partial mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another. The effector and the part can be removably attached to the distal end or member, respectively. The partial mating complimentary surfaces may be normal or skewed relative to the axis and may be curvelinear, flat, parallel, circular, elliptical, triangular or have at least one conjugating rib and slot. A method of use has the steps of holding and manipulating the sealer/cutter, moving the chassis relative to the tube, positioning the effector and the port to contact tissue, along the axis coupling bipolar electrodes to the effector and part, electrically isolating the electrodes, selectively coupling the generator to the electrodes for supplying bipolar electrosurgery. Supporting the activator for moving axially relative to one another, the patient part and the effector so tissue therebetween is sealed or cut by applying compression and bipolar electrosurgery across the first and second electrodes are steps.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A bipolar electrosurgical apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure, the bipolar electrosurgical apparatus comprising: 
 a handle operatively connected to a tissue sealing member;    said tissue sealing member including a chassis carrying at least one tube for axial movement relative thereto and therealong, the chassis having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and first and second end effectors attached thereto, at least one of said first and second end effectors responsive to the axial movement of the at least one tube and movable along said longitudinal axis relative to the other of said first and second end effectors from a first position for positioning tissue therebetween to a second position for grasping tissue between said first and second end effectors, wherein said first and second end effectors include complementing vessel sealing electrodes which contact one other, said electrodes configured such that the electrodes are capable of at least one of sealing and cutting tissue disposed therebetween upon activation of said electrodes; and    a sensor operatively connected to the electrosurgical apparatus and configured for measuring the impedance across the tissue held between said end effectors.    
   
   
       25 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 24  wherein an activator is movably supported on the handle, the handle including at least one handle grip.  
   
   
       26 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 24  wherein the chassis includes an inner tube and an outer tube.  
   
   
       27 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 24  wherein the first and second end effectors include complementary vessel contacting surfaces which partially matingly engage upon movement of the end effectors from the first to second positions.  
   
   
       28 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 27  wherein the complementary vessel contacting surfaces are curvilinear.  
   
   
       29 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 27  wherein the complementary vessel contacting surfaces are substantially flat.  
   
   
       30 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 27  wherein the complementary vessel contacting surfaces are triangular.  
   
   
       31 . A bipolar instrument according to  claim 27  wherein the complementary vessel contacting surfaces further include nibs.  
   
   
       32 . A bipolar electrosurgical apparatus for performing an  
   
   
       32 . A bipolar electrosurgical apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure, the bipolar electrosurgical apparatus comprising: 
 a handle operatively connected to a tissue sealing member;    said tissue sealing member including a chassis carrying at least one tube for axial movement relative thereto and therealong, the chassis having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and first and second end effectors attached thereto, at least one of said first and second end effectors responsive to the axial movement of the at least one tube and movable along said longitudinal axis relative to the other of said first and second end effectors from a first position for positioning tissue therebetween to a second position for grasping tissue between said first and second end effectors, wherein said first and second end effectors include complementing vessel sealing electrodes which contact one other, said electrodes configured such that the electrodes are capable of at least one of sealing and cutting tissue disposed therebetween upon activation of said electrodes; and    an in-line force transducer providing feedback information on the applied force exerted by said end effectors.