Abstract:
An apparatus for treating inflammatory bowel diseases is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The shaft is configured to be advanced within the colon of a patient. The end effector includes a radiating portion and a nozzle disposed thereon. The radiating portion is configured to emit energy therefrom and the nozzle is configured to emit a fluid therefrom. A method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases is also provided.
Abstract:
An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members each including one or more tissue-contacting plates. One or both jaw members is movable relative to the other between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting plates. The tissue-contacting plates are adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between. One of the jaw members includes an insulative member extending towards the other member. The insulative member includes a plurality of crests each defining a blunt apex and a proximally-facing sharpened edge. The blunt apexes contact tissue upon approximation of the first and second jaw members to grasp tissue, while the proximally-facing sharpened edges facilitate tissue cutting in a ripping fashion upon proximal translation of the end effector assembly relative to tissue.
Abstract:
A method of treating bowel diseases includes introducing a fluid into a portion of a patients colon and applying energy thereto from an external energy source such that the fluid and the energy cooperate to treat tissue of the portion of the patients colon in contact with the fluid. Another method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases includes sealing a portion of a patients colon, introducing an electrically-conductive fluid thereto, and energizing an electrode disposed therein to treat tissue of the portion of the patients colon in contact with the electrically-conductive fluid. Another method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases includes sealing a portion of a patients colon and introducing a heated fluid at a temperature equal to or above 60 °C to treat tissue of the portion of the patients colon in contact with the heated fluid.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument includes a flexible tube defining a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector, disposed at the distal end of the flexible tube, is configured for insertion into and advancement through a body cavity to a treatment target. The end effector is adapted to connect to a source of energy. The end effector includes an expandable member which can expand from an un-expanded state to an expanded state in order to circumferentially contact a bodily treatment target. The end effector further includes at least one heating member that may hear the expandable member such that the expandable member may thermally treat tissue that the expandable member contacts.
Abstract:
A bipolar forceps (10) includes a mechanical forceps (20) including first and second shafts (12, 14) each having a jaw member (42, 44) extending from a distal end (17, 19) thereof and a handle (16, 18) disposed at a proximal end (13, 15) thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members (42, 44) relative to one another about a pivot (25). A disposable housing (70) is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts (12, 14) and an electrode assembly (21) has electrodes (110, 120) releasably coupleable to the jaw members (42, 44) and adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue (150) held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. An electrically conductive cutting element (85) is disposed on at least one of the electrodes (110, 120) and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue (150) held between the electrodes (110, 120) to effect a tissue cut.