Electrosurgical devices are used in many surgical operations. Electrosurgical devices apply electrical energy to tissue in order to treat tissue. An electrosurgical device may comprise an instrument having a distally-mounted end effector comprising one or more electrodes. The end effector can be positioned against tissue such that electrical current is introduced into the tissue. Electrosurgical devices can be configured for bipolar or monopolar operation. During bipolar operation, current is introduced into and returned from the tissue by active and return electrodes, respectively, of the end effector. During monopolar operation, current is introduced into the tissue by an active (or source) electrode of the end effector and returned through a return electrode (e.g., a grounding pad) separately located on a patient's body. Heat generated by the current flow through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue and/or between tissues and thus may be particularly useful for sealing blood vessels, for example. The end effector of an electrosurgical device may further comprise a cutting member that is movable relative to the tissue and the electrodes to transect the tissue.
Electrical energy applied by an electrosurgical device can be transmitted to the instrument by a generator. The electrical energy may be in the form of radio frequency (“RF”) energy. RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. During its operation, an electrosurgical device can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue. Because a sharp boundary may be created between the affected tissue and the surrounding tissue, surgeons can operate with a high level of precision and control, without sacrificing un-targeted adjacent tissue. The low operating temperatures of RF energy may be useful for removing, shrinking, or sculpting soft tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels. RF energy may work particularly well on connective tissue, which is primarily comprised of collagen and shrinks when contacted by heat.
In various embodiments, an end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first electrode. The first jaw member defines a first aperture at a distal end. The end effector includes a second jaw member. The second jaw member comprises a second electrode. The second jaw member defines a second aperture at a distal end. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position. The first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.
In various embodiments, an end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first proximal contact surface and a first distal contact surface. The first proximal contact surface and the first distal contact surface define a first opening therebetween. The end effector includes a second jaw member comprising a second proximal contact surface and a second distal contact surface. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The second proximal contact surface and the second distal contact surface define a second opening therebetween. When the first and second jaw members are in a closed position, the first and second openings define an aperture. A first proximal electrode is coupled to the first proximal contact surface. The first proximal electrode is configured to deliver energy.
In various embodiments, an end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member operatively coupled to a second jaw member. The first and second jaw members each comprise a proximal contact region defined by a first width and a distal contact region defined by a second width. The first width is greater than the second width. A first electrode is coupled to the first jaw member. The first electrode is configured to deliver energy
In various embodiments, an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a band electrode coupled to an outer surface of the first jaw member. The band electrode is configured to lay flush with the first jaw member in a first position. The band electrode is configured to flex outwardly from the first jaw member in a second position. The band electrode is configured to deliver energy. A second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member.
The features of the various embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:
Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, including embodiments showing example implementations of electrosurgical medical instruments for cutting and coagulating tissue. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict example embodiments of the disclosed surgical instruments and/or methods of use for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative example embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.
Various embodiments of surgical instruments that utilize therapeutic and/or subtherapeutic electrical energy to treat tissue or provide feedback to the generators (e.g., electrosurgical instruments) are disclosed. The embodiments are adapted for use in a manual or hand-operated manner, although electrosurgical instruments may be utilized in robotic applications as well.
The electrosurgical system 100 can be configured to supply energy, such as electrical energy, ultrasonic energy, heat energy, or any combination thereof, to the tissue of a patient either independently or simultaneously, for example. In one example embodiment, the electrosurgical system 100 includes a generator 120 in electrical communication with the electrosurgical instrument 110. The generator 120 is connected to the electrosurgical instrument 110 via a suitable transmission medium such as a cable 122. In one example embodiment, the generator 120 is coupled to a controller, such as a control unit 125, for example. In various embodiments, the control unit 125 may be formed integrally with the generator 120 or may be provided as a separate circuit module or device electrically coupled to the generator 120 (shown in phantom to illustrate this option). Although in the presently disclosed embodiment, the generator 120 is shown separate from the electrosurgical instrument 110, in one example embodiment, the generator 120 (and/or the control unit 125) may be formed integrally with the electrosurgical instrument 110 to form a unitary electrosurgical system 100, where a battery located within the electrosurgical instrument 110 is the energy source and a circuit coupled to the battery produces the suitable electrical energy, ultrasonic energy, or heat energy. One such example is described herein below in connection with
The generator 120 may comprise an input device 135 located on a front panel of the generator 120 console. The input device 135 may comprise any suitable device that generates signals suitable for programming the operation of the generator 120, such as a keyboard, or input port, for example. In one example embodiment, various electrodes in the first jaw 164a and the second jaw 164b may be coupled to the generator 120. The cable 122 may comprise multiple electrical conductors for the application of electrical energy to positive (+) and negative (−) electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument 110. The control unit 125 may be used to activate the generator 120, which may serve as an electrical source. In various embodiments, the generator 120 may comprise an RF source, an ultrasonic source, a direct current source, and/or any other suitable type of electrical energy source, for example, which may be activated independently or simultaneously.
In various embodiments, the electrosurgical system 100 may comprise at least one supply conductor 131 and at least one return conductor 133, wherein current can be supplied to the electrosurgical instrument 100 via the supply conductor 131 and wherein the current can flow back to the generator 120 via the return conductor 133. In various embodiments, the supply conductor 131 and the return conductor 133 may comprise insulated wires and/or any other suitable type of conductor. In certain embodiments, as described below, the supply conductor 131 and the return conductor 133 may be contained within and/or may comprise the cable 122 extending between, or at least partially between, the generator 120 and the end effector 126 of the electrosurgical instrument 110. In any event, the generator 120 can be configured to apply a sufficient voltage differential between the supply conductor 131 and the return conductor 133 such that sufficient current can be supplied to the end effector 126.
The end effector 126 may be adapted for capturing and transecting tissue and for contemporaneously welding the captured tissue with controlled application of energy (e.g., RF energy). The first jaw 164a and the second jaw 164b may close to thereby capture or engage tissue about a longitudinal axis “T” defined by the axially moveable member 178. The first jaw 164a and second jaw 164b may also apply compression to the tissue. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft 114, along with the first jaw 164a and second jaw 164b, can be rotated a full 360° degrees, as shown by the arrow 196 (see
The lever arm 121 of the handle 112 (
More specifically, referring now to
The first energy delivery surface 165a and the second energy delivery surface 165b each may be in electrical communication with the generator 120. The first energy delivery surface 165a and the second energy delivery surface 165b may be configured to contact tissue and deliver electrosurgical energy to captured tissue which are adapted to seal or weld the tissue. The control unit 125 regulates the electrical energy delivered by electrical generator 120 which in turn delivers electrosurgical energy to the first energy delivery surface 165a and the second energy delivery surface 165b. The energy delivery may be initiated by an activation button 128 (
As mentioned above, the electrosurgical energy delivered by electrical generator 120 and regulated, or otherwise controlled, by the control unit 125 may comprise radio frequency (RF) energy, or other suitable forms of electrical energy. Further, the opposing first and second energy delivery surfaces 165a and 165b may carry variable resistive PTC bodies that are in electrical communication with the generator 120 and the control unit 125. Additional details regarding electrosurgical end effectors, jaw closing mechanisms, and electrosurgical energy-delivery surfaces are described in the following U.S. patents and published patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,087,054; 7,083,619; 7,070,597; 7,041,102; 7,011,657; 6,929,644; 6,926,716; 6,913,579; 6,905,497; 6,802,843; 6,770,072; 6,656,177; 6,533,784; and 6,500,112; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2010/0036370 and 2009/0076506, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part of this specification.
In one example embodiment, the generator 120 may be implemented as an electrosurgery unit (ESU) capable of supplying power sufficient to perform bipolar electrosurgery using radio frequency (RF) energy. In one example embodiment, the ESU can be a bipolar ERBE ICC 150 sold by ERBE USA, Inc. of Marietta, Ga. In some embodiments, such as for bipolar electrosurgery applications, a surgical instrument having an active electrode and a return electrode can be utilized, wherein the active electrode and the return electrode can be positioned against, adjacent to and/or in electrical communication with, the tissue to be treated such that current can flow from the active electrode, through the PTC bodies and to the return electrode through the tissue. Thus, in various embodiments, the electrosurgical system 100 may comprise a supply path and a return path, wherein the captured tissue being treated completes, or closes, the circuit. In one example embodiment, the generator 120 may be a monopolar RF ESU and the electrosurgical instrument 110 may comprise a monopolar end effector 126 in which one or more active electrodes are integrated. For such a system, the generator 120 may require a return pad in intimate contact with the patient at a location remote from the operative site and/or other suitable return path. The return pad may be connected via a cable to the generator 120. In other embodiments, the operator may provide subtherapeutic RF energy levels for purposes of evaluating tissue conditions and providing feedback in the electrosurgical system 100. Such feed back may be employed to control the therapeutic RF energy output of the electrosurgical instrument 110.
During operation of electrosurgical instrument 100, the user generally grasps tissue, supplies energy to the grasped tissue to form a weld or a seal (e.g., by actuating button 128 and/or pedal 129), and then drives a tissue-cutting element 171 at the distal end of the axially moveable member 178 through the grasped tissue. According to various embodiments, the translation of the axial movement of the axially moveable member 178 may be paced, or otherwise controlled, to aid in driving the axially moveable member 178 at a suitable rate of travel. By controlling the rate of the travel, the likelihood that the captured tissue has been properly and functionally sealed prior to transection with the cutting element 171 is increased.
In one example embodiment, various electrodes in the end effector 126 (including the first and second jaws 164a, 164b thereof) may be coupled to the generator circuit 220. The control circuit may be used to activate the generator 220, which may serve as an electrical source. In various embodiments, the generator 220 may comprise an RF source, an ultrasonic source, a direct current source, and/or any other suitable type of electrical energy source, for example. In one example embodiment, a button 128 may be provided to activate the generator circuit 220 to provide energy to the end effector 126.
In one example embodiment, the cordless electrosurgical instrument comprises a battery 237. The battery 237 provides electrical energy to the generator circuit 220. The battery 237 may be any battery suitable for driving the generator circuit 220 at the desired energy levels. In one example embodiment, the battery 237 is a 1030 mAhr, triple-cell Lithium Ion Polymer battery. The battery may be fully charged prior to use in a surgical procedure, and may hold a voltage of about 12.6V. The battery 237 may have two fuses fitted to the cordless electrosurgical instrument 210, arranged in line with each battery terminal. In one example embodiment, a charging port 239 is provided to connect the battery 237 to a DC current source (not shown).
The generator circuit 220 may be configured in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the generator circuit comprises an RF drive and control circuit 240 and a controller circuit 282.
As shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, the transformer 255 may be implemented with a Core Diameter (mm), Wire Diameter (mm), and Gap between secondary windings in accordance with the following specifications:
Core Diameter, D (mm)
D=19.9×10−3
Wire diameter, W (mm) for 22 AWG wire
W=7.366×10−4
Gap between secondary windings, in gap=0.125
G=gap/25.4
In this embodiment, the amount of electrical power supplied to the end effector 126 is controlled by varying the frequency of the switching signals used to switch the FETs 243. This works because the resonant circuit 250 acts as a frequency dependent (loss less) attenuator. The closer the drive signal is to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 250, the less the drive signal is attenuated. Similarly, as the frequency of the drive signal is moved away from the resonant frequency of the circuit 250, the more the drive signal is attenuated and so the power supplied to the load reduces. In this embodiment, the frequency of the switching signals generated by the FET gate drive circuitry 245 is controlled by a controller 281 based on a desired power to be delivered to the load 259 and measurements of the load voltage (VL) and of the load current (IL) obtained by conventional voltage sensing circuitry 283 and current sensing circuitry 285. The way that the controller 281 operates will be described in more detail below.
In one embodiment, the voltage sensing circuitry 283 and the current sensing circuitry 285 may be implemented with high bandwidth, high speed rail-to-rail amplifiers (e.g., LMH6643 by National Semiconductor). Such amplifiers, however, consume a relatively high current when they are operational. Accordingly, a power save circuit may be provided to reduce the supply voltage of the amplifiers when they are not being used in the voltage sensing circuitry 283 and the current sensing circuitry 285. In one-embodiment, a step-down regulator (e.g., LT1502 by Linear Technologies) may be employed by the power save circuit to reduce the supply voltage of the rail-to-rail amplifiers and thus extend the life of the battery 237.
The frequency control module 295 uses the values obtained from the calculation module 293 and the power set point (Pset) obtained from the medical device control module 297 and predefined system limits (to be explained below), to determine whether or not to increase or decrease the applied frequency. The result of this decision is then passed to a square wave generation module 263 which, in this embodiment, increments or decrements the frequency of a square wave signal that it generates by 1 kHz, depending on the received decision. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, in an alternative embodiment, the frequency control module 295 may determine not only whether to increase or decrease the frequency, but also the amount of frequency change required. In this case, the square wave generation module 263 would generate the corresponding square wave signal with the desired frequency shift. In this embodiment, the square wave signal generated by the square wave generation module 263 is output to the FET gate drive circuitry 245, which amplifies the signal and then applies it to the FET 243-1. The FET gate drive circuitry 245 also inverts the signal applied to the FET 243-1 and applies the inverted signal to the FET 243-2.
The electrosurgical instrument 210 may comprise additional features as discussed with respect to the electrosurgical system 100 illustrated in
In operation, the end effector 326 is positioned by a surgeon at a surgical site. The end effector 326 is positioned through, for example, endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open surgery techniques. A surgeon positions a tissue section between the first jaw member 364a and the second jaw member 364b. The surgeon operates an actuator, such as, for example, a trigger coupled to handle or a first actuation ring 368a coupled to the elongate shaft 314, to cause the first jaw member 364a to rotate or transition to a closed position to grasp the tissue section between the first jaw member 364a and the second jaw member 364b. In some embodiments, the end effector 326 comprises an energy delivery surface, such as, for example, one or more electrodes 365a, 365b configured to deliver energy. The surgeon may activate delivery of energy to the electrodes 365a, 365b. The electrodes 365a, 365b deliver the energy to the tissue section grasped between the first jaw member 364a and the second jaw member 364b. The delivered energy may weld, cauterize, dissect, and/or otherwise treat the tissue section. In some embodiments, the first jaw member 364a defines a first channel 362a and the second jaw member 364b defines a second channel 362b. The first and second channels 362a, 362b define a longitudinal channel 362. A cutting member 371 is slideably receivable within the longitudinal channel 362. The cutting member 371 is deployable to cut the tissue section before, during, or after treatment of the tissue.
The proximal contact surfaces 465a, 465b are located in the proximal portions of respective first and second jaw members 464a, 464b and define a proximal grasping area 469. In some embodiments, the proximal contact surfaces 465a, 465b comprise an energy delivery surface configured to deliver energy. The proximal contact surfaces 465a, 465b may be configured to provide monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof to a tissue section grasped between the first jaw member 464a and the second jaw member 464b. The proximal contact surfaces 465a, 465b define a longitudinal channel 462. A cutting member 471 (see
In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 465a and/or the second proximal contact surface 465b comprise energy delivery surfaces. The energy deliver surfaces 465a, 465b are configured to deliver energy. The energy delivery surfaces 465a, 465b comprise, for example, one or more electrodes. The energy deliver surfaces 465a, 465b may be configured to deliver monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof to a tissue section grasped between the first and second jaw members 464a, 464b. The delivered energy may comprise a therapeutic signal configured to seal or weld the tissue section and/or a subtherapeutic signal. In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 465a and/or the second proximal contact surface 465b comprise a PTC material configured to limit the delivered energy as the temperature of the treated tissue increases. In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 465a and/or the second proximal contact surface 465b may comprise a metal contact electrode and/or an insulative layer.
In various embodiments, the distal contact surfaces 467a, 467b define a distal grasping area 470. The distal grasping area 470 is configured to provide atraumatic grasping. An aperture 466 is defined between the proximal grasping area 469 and the distal grasping area 470. The distal grasping area 470 and the aperture 466 enable the grasping of a tissue section atraumatically. In some embodiments, the distal grasping area 470 is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to a tissue section grasped therein. In other embodiments, the distal grasping area 470 is electrically inactive.
In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 565a and/or the second proximal contact surface 565b comprise energy deliver surfaces. The energy delivery surfaces 565a, 565b are configured to deliver energy. The energy delivery surfaces 565a, 565b may be configured to deliver monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof to a tissue section grasped between the first and second jaw members 564a, 564b. The delivered energy may comprise a therapeutic signal configured to seal or weld the tissue section and/or a sub-therapeutic signal. In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 565a and/or the second proximal contact surface 565b comprise a PTC material configured to limit the delivered energy as the temperature of the treated tissue increases. In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 565a and/or the second proximal contact surface 565b may comprise a metal contact electrode and/or an insulative layer. In some embodiments, the first proximal contact surface 565a and/or the second proximal contact surface 565b may comprise a return electrode.
In various embodiments, the distal contact surfaces 567a, 567b define a distal grasping area 570. The distal grasping area 570 is configured to provide atraumatic grasping. An aperture 566 is defined between the proximal grasping area 569 and the distal grasping area 570. The distal grasping area 570 and the aperture 566 enable the grasping of a tissue section atraumatically. In some embodiments, the distal grasping area 570 is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to a tissue section grasped therein. In other embodiments, the distal grasping area 570 is electrically inactive.
In some embodiments, the first distal contact surface 567a and/or the second distal contact surface 567b comprise energy delivery surfaces, such as, for example, one or more electrodes. The distal energy delivery surfaces 567a, 567b are configured to deliver energy. Energy is delivered to a tissue section grasped within distal grasping area 570. The distal energy delivery surfaces 567a, 567b may be configured to deliver monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof. The distal energy delivery surfaces 667a, 667b may be configured to provide a therapeutic signal configured to weld or seal a tissue section and/or a sub-therapeutic signal. In some embodiments, the distal grasping area 570 enables an operator to spot weld and/or perform touch-up cauterization after general treatment by the proximal grasping area 569.
In some embodiments, the proximal grasping area 569 and the distal grasping area 570 comprise energy delivery surfaces. The proximal energy deliver surfaces 565a, 565b are operable independently of the distal energy delivery surfaces 567a, 567b. For example, in some embodiments, a handle, such as the handle 112 shown in
With reference now to
As shown in
The first jaw member 764a comprises a first contact area 765a and the second jaw member 764b comprises a second contact area 765b. The first and second jaw members 764a, 764b are configured to grasp tissue therebetween. In some embodiments, the first contact area 765a and/or the second contact area 765b comprise energy delivery surfaces configured to deliver energy. The energy delivery surfaces 765a, 765b may deliver, for example, therapeutic RF energy, sub-therapeutic RF energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof. The first and second contact areas 765a, 765b may be configured to provide energy to a tissue section grasped between the first jaw member 764a and the second jaw member 764b. In some embodiments, the first contact area 765a and/or the second contact area 765b comprises a return electrode for energy delivered to a tissue section by the band electrode 766.
In some embodiments, a distal end of the band electrode 766 is fixedly connected to a distal end of the first jaw member 764a. The band electrode 766 is slideably moveable longitudinally relative to the fixed distal end. When the band electrode 766 is slideably moved in a distal direction, the fixed distal end of the band electrode 766 causes the band electrode 766 to flex away from the first jaw member 764a. When the band electrode is slideably moved in a proximal direction, the fixed distal end causes the band electrode 766 to lay flush with the first jaw member 764a.
In some embodiments, the first jaw member 764a comprises a band channel 768. The band electrode 766 is receivable within the band channel 768 in a retracted state. For example, if the band electrode 766 is moved in a proximal direction with respect to the fixed distal end, the band electrode 766 will lay flush against the first jaw member 764a. The band channel 768 receives the band electrode 766. When the band electrode 766 is in a retracted state, the band electrode 766 is flush with or below the outer surface of the first jaw member 764a. In various embodiments, the band channel 768 comprises a longitudinal channel defined by the outer surface of the first jaw member 764a.
It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used throughout the specification with reference to a clinician manipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term “proximal” refers to the portion of the instrument closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located furthest from the clinician. It will further be appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” or “down” may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, surgical instruments may be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting or absolute.
Various embodiments of surgical instruments and robotic surgical systems are described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described herein may be used with the described surgical instruments and robotic surgical systems. The descriptions are provided for example only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to only the devices disclosed herein, but may be used with any compatible surgical instrument or robotic surgical system.
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one example embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one example embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.
While various embodiments herein have been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, it is generally accepted that endoscopic procedures are more common than laparoscopic procedures. Accordingly, the present invention has been discussed in terms of endoscopic procedures and apparatus. However, use herein of terms such as “endoscopic”, should not be construed to limit the present invention to an instrument for use only in conjunction with an endoscopic tube (e.g., trocar). On the contrary, it is believed that the present invention may find use in any procedure where access is limited to a small incision, including but not limited to laparoscopic procedures, as well as open procedures.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions herein have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that these and other elements may be desirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
While several embodiments have been described, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the disclosure. For example, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. This application is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:
1. An end effector comprising: a first jaw member defining a first aperture at a distal end, the first jaw member comprising a first electrode located proximally of the first aperture, wherein the first electrode comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material; and a second jaw member defining a second aperture at a distal end, the second jaw member comprising a second electrode located proximally of the second aperture, wherein the second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member, wherein the first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position, wherein the second electrode comprises a PTC material, and wherein the first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.
2. The end effector of clause 1, wherein the first and second jaw members define a longitudinal channel, the end effector comprising a cutting member slideably receivable within the longitudinal channel, wherein the cutting member is deployable along the longitudinal channel, and wherein the longitudinal channel is located proximally of the first and second apertures.
3. The end effector of clause 2, wherein the first electrode comprises a first PTC (positive temperature coefficient) electrode and a second a PTC electrode, wherein the first PTC electrode is located on a first side of the channel and the second PTC electrode is located on a second side of the channel, and wherein the first and second PTC electrodes define a treatment region.
4. The end effector of clause 2, wherein the cutting member comprises an I-beam.
5. The end effector of clause 1, wherein the energy delivered by the first electrode comprises at least one of monopolar electrosurgical energy, bipolar electrosurgical energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof.
6. An end effector comprising: a first jaw member comprising a first proximal contact surface and a first distal contact surface, wherein the first proximal contact surface and the first distal contact surface define a first opening therebetween; a second jaw member comprising a second proximal contact surface and a second distal contact surface, wherein the second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member, wherein the second proximal contact surface and the second distal contact surface define a second opening therebetween, and wherein when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position the first and second openings define an aperture; and a first proximal electrode coupled to the first proximal contact surface, wherein the first proximal electrode is configured to deliver energy.
7. The end effector of clause 6, wherein when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position, the proximal contact surfaces define a proximal grasping region and the distal contact surfaces define a distal grasping region.
8. The end effector of clause 6, wherein the energy delivered to the first end effector comprises at least one of monopolar electrosurgical energy, bipolar electrosurgical energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof.
9. The end effector of clause 8, comprising a second proximal electrode coupled to the second proximal contact surface, wherein the second proximal electrode is configured as a return electrode for electrosurgical energy delivered by the first proximal electrode.
10. The end effector of clause 8, comprising a first distal electrode coupled to the first distal contact surface, wherein the first distal electrode is configured to deliver energy, wherein the energy delivered to the first distal electrode comprises at least one of monopolar electrosurgical energy, bipolar electrosurgical energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof.
11. The end effector of clause 10, comprising a second distal electrode coupled to the second distal contact surface, wherein the second distal electrode is configured as a return electrode for electrosurgical signal delivered by the first distal electrode.
12. The end effector of clause 6, wherein the first and second jaw members define a longitudinal channel, the end effector comprising a cutting member slideably receivable within the longitudinal channel, wherein the cutting member is deployable along the longitudinal channel.
13. An end effector comprising: a first jaw member operatively coupled to a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members each comprising a proximal contact region defined by a first width and a distal contact region defined by a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and wherein the distal contact region comprises a hook shape; a first electrode coupled to the first jaw member, the first electrode configured to deliver energy; and a cutting member slideably receivable within a longitudinal channel defined by the first and second jaw members, wherein the cutting member is deployable along the longitudinal channel.
14. The end effector of clause 13, wherein the cutting member comprises an I-beam.
15. The end effector of clause 13, wherein the first electrode comprises a continuous electrode coupled to the proximal contact region and the distal contact region of the first jaw member.
16. The end effector of clause 15, wherein the energy delivered by the first electrode comprises one of monopolar electrosurgical energy, bipolar electrosurgical energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof.
17. The end effector of clause 16, wherein the second electrode comprises a continuous electrode coupled to the proximal contact region and the distal contact region of the second jaw member.
18. The end effector of clause 16, comprising a second electrode coupled to the second jaw member, wherein the first electrode comprises a source electrode configured to deliver bipolar electrosurgical energy, and wherein the second electrode comprises a return electrode.
19. The end effector of clause 11, wherein the first width is about three millimeters, and wherein the second width is about five millimeters.
20. An end effector comprising: a first jaw member comprising a band electrode coupled to an outer surface of the first jaw member, wherein the band electrode is configured to lay flush with the first jaw member in a first position, and wherein the band electrode is configured to flex outwardly from the first jaw member in a second position, and wherein the band electrode is configured to deliver energy; and a second jaw member operatively coupled to the first jaw member.
21. The end effector of clause 20, wherein the energy delivered by the band electrode comprises monopolar electrosurgical energy, bipolar electrosurgical energy, ultrasonic energy, or any combination thereof.
22. The end effector of clause 20, comprising: a first electrode disposed on an inner surface of the first jaw member; and a second electrode disposed on an inner surface of the second jaw member, wherein the first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.
23. The end effector of clause 20, wherein a distal end of the band electrode is fixedly connected to a distal end of the first jaw member, wherein the band electrode is slideably moveable longitudinally relative to the fixed distal end.
24. The end effector of clause 23, wherein the longitudinal movement of the band electrode relative to the fixed distal end causes the band electrode to flex outwardly from the first jaw member.
25. The end effector of clause 24, wherein the first jaw member defines a channel on the outer surface, and wherein the band electrode is positioned within the channel in the first position.
This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/707,030, filed on Sep. 28, 2012, and entitled “MULTI-FUNCTION BI-POLAR FORCEPS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2366274 | Luth et al. | Jan 1945 | A |
2458152 | Eakins | Jan 1949 | A |
2510693 | Green | Jun 1950 | A |
3166971 | Stoecker | Jan 1965 | A |
3580841 | Cadotte et al. | May 1971 | A |
3703651 | Blowers | Nov 1972 | A |
3777760 | Essner | Dec 1973 | A |
4005714 | Hiltebrandt | Feb 1977 | A |
4034762 | Cosens et al. | Jul 1977 | A |
4058126 | Leveen | Nov 1977 | A |
4220154 | Semm | Sep 1980 | A |
4237441 | van Konynenburg et al. | Dec 1980 | A |
4281785 | Brooks | Aug 1981 | A |
4304987 | van Konynenburg | Dec 1981 | A |
4463759 | Garito et al. | Aug 1984 | A |
4492231 | Auth | Jan 1985 | A |
4535773 | Yoon | Aug 1985 | A |
4545926 | Fouts, Jr. et al. | Oct 1985 | A |
4550870 | Krumme et al. | Nov 1985 | A |
4582236 | Hirose | Apr 1986 | A |
4617927 | Manes | Oct 1986 | A |
4735603 | Goodson et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
4761871 | O'Connor et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4830462 | Karny et al. | May 1989 | A |
4849133 | Yoshida et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
4860745 | Farin et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
4878493 | Pasternak et al. | Nov 1989 | A |
4910389 | Sherman et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
4920978 | Colvin | May 1990 | A |
5061269 | Muller | Oct 1991 | A |
5099840 | Goble et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5104025 | Main et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
5106538 | Barma et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
5108383 | White | Apr 1992 | A |
5160334 | Billings et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5190541 | Abele et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5205459 | Brinkerhoff et al. | Apr 1993 | A |
5217460 | Knoepfler | Jun 1993 | A |
5234428 | Kaufman | Aug 1993 | A |
5258006 | Rydell et al. | Nov 1993 | A |
5285945 | Brinkerhoff et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5290286 | Parins | Mar 1994 | A |
5309927 | Welch | May 1994 | A |
5318564 | Eggers | Jun 1994 | A |
5318589 | Lichtman | Jun 1994 | A |
5330471 | Eggers | Jul 1994 | A |
5339723 | Huitema | Aug 1994 | A |
5342359 | Rydell | Aug 1994 | A |
5361583 | Huitema | Nov 1994 | A |
5383874 | Jackson et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5387207 | Dyer et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5389098 | Tsuruta et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5395312 | Desai | Mar 1995 | A |
5395364 | Anderhub et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5396900 | Slater et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5403312 | Yates et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5417709 | Slater | May 1995 | A |
5428504 | Bhatla | Jun 1995 | A |
5429131 | Scheinman et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5443463 | Stern et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5445638 | Rydell et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5451227 | Michaelson | Sep 1995 | A |
5458598 | Feinberg et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5465895 | Knodel et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5472443 | Cordis et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5476479 | Green et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5480409 | Riza | Jan 1996 | A |
5484436 | Eggers et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5486189 | Mudry et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5496317 | Goble et al. | Mar 1996 | A |
5504650 | Katsui et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
5509922 | Aranyi et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
5511556 | DeSantis | Apr 1996 | A |
5520704 | Castro et al. | May 1996 | A |
5522839 | Pilling | Jun 1996 | A |
5531744 | Nardella et al. | Jul 1996 | A |
5542916 | Hirsch et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5558671 | Yates | Sep 1996 | A |
5563179 | Stone et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5571121 | Heifetz | Nov 1996 | A |
5573534 | Stone | Nov 1996 | A |
5584830 | Ladd et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5599350 | Schulze et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5611813 | Lichtman | Mar 1997 | A |
5618307 | Donlon et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
5624452 | Yates | Apr 1997 | A |
5647871 | Levine et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5658281 | Heard | Aug 1997 | A |
5662667 | Knodel | Sep 1997 | A |
5665085 | Nardella | Sep 1997 | A |
5665100 | Yoon | Sep 1997 | A |
5674219 | Monson et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5674220 | Fox et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5688270 | Yates et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5693051 | Schulze et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5709680 | Yates et al. | Jan 1998 | A |
5713896 | Nardella | Feb 1998 | A |
5716366 | Yates | Feb 1998 | A |
5735848 | Yates et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5743906 | Parins et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5752973 | Kieturakis | May 1998 | A |
5755717 | Yates et al. | May 1998 | A |
5762255 | Chrisman et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5779701 | McBrayer et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5782834 | Lucey et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5792138 | Shipp | Aug 1998 | A |
5797941 | Schulze et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5800432 | Swanson | Sep 1998 | A |
5800449 | Wales | Sep 1998 | A |
5807393 | Williamson, IV et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5810811 | Yates et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5817033 | DeSantis et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5817093 | Williamson, IV et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5836909 | Cosmescu | Nov 1998 | A |
5836943 | Miller, III | Nov 1998 | A |
5853412 | Mayenberger | Dec 1998 | A |
5876401 | Schulze et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5880668 | Hall | Mar 1999 | A |
5891142 | Eggers et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5906625 | Bito et al. | May 1999 | A |
5984938 | Yoon | Nov 1999 | A |
6003517 | Sheffield et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6013052 | Durman et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6024741 | Williamson, IV et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6024744 | Kese et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6033399 | Gines | Mar 2000 | A |
6039734 | Goble | Mar 2000 | A |
6050996 | Schmaltz et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6063098 | Houser et al. | May 2000 | A |
6068629 | Haissaguerre et al. | May 2000 | A |
6074389 | Levine et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6091995 | Ingle et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6099483 | Palmer et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6099550 | Yoon | Aug 2000 | A |
H1904 | Yates et al. | Oct 2000 | H |
6144402 | Norsworthy et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6152923 | Ryan | Nov 2000 | A |
6174309 | Wrublewski et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6206876 | Levine et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6228080 | Gines | May 2001 | B1 |
6259230 | Chou | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6277117 | Tetzlaff et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6292700 | Morrison et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6325799 | Goble | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6340878 | Oglesbee | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6391026 | Hung et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6398779 | Buysse et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
H2037 | Yates et al. | Jul 2002 | H |
6419675 | Gallo, Sr. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6430446 | Knowlton | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6443968 | Holthaus et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6458128 | Schulze | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6464702 | Schulze et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
6500112 | Khouri | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6500176 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6503248 | Levine | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6511480 | Tetzlaff et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6514252 | Nezhat et al. | Feb 2003 | B2 |
6517565 | Whitman et al. | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6531846 | Smith | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6533784 | Truckai et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6537272 | Christopherson et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6554829 | Schulze et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6558376 | Bishop | May 2003 | B2 |
6572639 | Ingle et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6575969 | Rittman, III et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6584360 | Francischelli et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6585735 | Lands et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6589200 | Schwemberger et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6602252 | Mollenauer | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6620161 | Schulze et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6622731 | Daniel et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6623482 | Pendekanti et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6635057 | Harano et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6651669 | Burnside | Nov 2003 | B1 |
6656177 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6656198 | Tsonton et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6673248 | Chowdhury | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6679882 | Kornerup | Jan 2004 | B1 |
6695840 | Schulze | Feb 2004 | B2 |
6722552 | Fenton, Jr. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
6770072 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6773409 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6773435 | Schulze et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6789939 | Schrödinger et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6796981 | Wham et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6800085 | Selmon et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6802843 | Truckai et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6811842 | Ehrnsperger et al. | Nov 2004 | B1 |
6821273 | Mollenauer | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6835199 | McGuckin, Jr. et al. | Dec 2004 | B2 |
6840938 | Morley et al. | Jan 2005 | B1 |
6860880 | Treat et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6905497 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6908463 | Treat et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6913579 | Truckai et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6926716 | Baker et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6929622 | Chian | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6929644 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6953461 | McClurken et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
7000818 | Shelton, IV et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7011657 | Truckai et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7041102 | Truckai et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7052496 | Yamauchi | May 2006 | B2 |
7055731 | Shelton, IV et al. | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7063699 | Hess et al. | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7066936 | Ryan | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7070597 | Truckai et al. | Jul 2006 | B2 |
7083618 | Couture et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7083619 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7087054 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7094235 | Francischelli et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7101371 | Dycus et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7101372 | Dycus et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7101373 | Dycus et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7112201 | Truckai et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7118570 | Tetzlaff et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7125409 | Truckai et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7131970 | Moses et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7137980 | Buysse et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7143925 | Shelton, IV et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7147138 | Shelton, IV | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7156846 | Dycus et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7160296 | Pearson et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7169146 | Truckai et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7169156 | Hart | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7186253 | Truckai et al. | Mar 2007 | B2 |
7189233 | Truckai et al. | Mar 2007 | B2 |
7195631 | Dumbauld | Mar 2007 | B2 |
7207471 | Heinrich et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
7220951 | Truckai et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7225964 | Mastri et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7226448 | Bertolero et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7232440 | Dumbauld et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7235073 | Levine et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7241294 | Reschke | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7251531 | Mosher et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7252667 | Moses et al. | Aug 2007 | B2 |
7267677 | Johnson et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7267685 | Butaric et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7287682 | Ezzat et al. | Oct 2007 | B1 |
7300450 | Vleugels et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
7303557 | Wham et al. | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7307313 | Ohyanagi et al. | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7309849 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7311709 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2007 | B2 |
7329257 | Kanehira et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7354440 | Truckal et al. | Apr 2008 | B2 |
7357287 | Shelton, IV et al. | Apr 2008 | B2 |
7364577 | Wham et al. | Apr 2008 | B2 |
7367976 | Lawes et al. | May 2008 | B2 |
7371227 | Zeiner | May 2008 | B2 |
RE40388 | Gines | Jun 2008 | E |
7381209 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
7396356 | Mollenauer | Jul 2008 | B2 |
7403224 | Fuller et al. | Jul 2008 | B2 |
7404508 | Smith et al. | Jul 2008 | B2 |
7407077 | Ortiz et al. | Aug 2008 | B2 |
7422139 | Shelton, IV et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
7435582 | Zimmermann et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7442193 | Shields et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7445621 | Dumbauld et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
7464846 | Shelton, IV et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7473253 | Dycus et al. | Jan 2009 | B2 |
7488319 | Yates | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7491201 | Shields et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7494501 | Ahlberg et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7498080 | Tung et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
7510107 | Timm et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
7513025 | Fischer | Apr 2009 | B2 |
7517349 | Truckai et al. | Apr 2009 | B2 |
7540872 | Schechter et al. | Jun 2009 | B2 |
7550216 | Ofer et al. | Jun 2009 | B2 |
7559452 | Wales et al. | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7582086 | Privitera et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7586289 | Andruk et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7588176 | Timm et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7594925 | Danek et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7597693 | Garrison | Oct 2009 | B2 |
7604150 | Boudreaux | Oct 2009 | B2 |
7628791 | Garrison et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7628792 | Guerra | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7632267 | Dahla | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7632269 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7641653 | Dalla Betta et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7641671 | Crainich | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7644848 | Swayze et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7645277 | McClurken et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7648499 | Orszulak et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7658311 | Boudreaux | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7665647 | Shelton, IV et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7666206 | Taniguchi et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7703459 | Saadat et al. | Apr 2010 | B2 |
7708751 | Hughes et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7722607 | Dumbauld et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7753904 | Shelton, IV et al. | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7753908 | Swanson | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7762445 | Heinrich et al. | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7766910 | Hixson et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7776037 | Odom | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7780663 | Yates et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7784663 | Shelton, IV | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7803156 | Eder et al. | Sep 2010 | B2 |
7815641 | Dodde et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7819298 | Hall et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7819299 | Sheltoin, IV et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7832408 | Shelton, IV et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7832612 | Baxter, III et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7846159 | Morrison et al. | Dec 2010 | B2 |
7846160 | Payne et al. | Dec 2010 | B2 |
7879035 | Garrison et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
7879070 | Ortiz et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
7901400 | Wham et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7931649 | Couture et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7935114 | Takashino et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7955331 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7963963 | Francischelli et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7967602 | Lindquist | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7981113 | Truckai et al. | Jul 2011 | B2 |
7997278 | Utley et al. | Aug 2011 | B2 |
8020743 | Shelton, IV | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8058771 | Giordano et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8070036 | Knodel et al. | Dec 2011 | B1 |
8105323 | Buysse et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8128624 | Couture et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8136712 | Zingman | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8141762 | Bedi et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8157145 | Shelton, IV et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
8197472 | Lau et al. | Jun 2012 | B2 |
8197479 | Olson et al. | Jun 2012 | B2 |
8221415 | Francischelli | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8246615 | Behnke | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8246618 | Bucciaglia et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8251994 | McKenna et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8262563 | Bakos et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8277446 | Heard | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8277447 | Garrison et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8282669 | Gerber et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8287528 | Wham et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8292886 | Kerr et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8298232 | Unger | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8303583 | Hosier et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8323310 | Kingsley | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8377059 | Deville et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8397971 | Yates et al. | Mar 2013 | B2 |
8414577 | Boudreaux et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8430876 | Kappus et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8453906 | Huang et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8460288 | Tamai et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8460292 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8486057 | Behnke, II | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8496682 | Guerra et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8535311 | Schall | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8562598 | Falkenstein et al. | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8562604 | Nishimura | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8568412 | Brandt et al. | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8569997 | Lee | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8574231 | Boudreaux et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8591506 | Wham et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8613383 | Beckman et al. | Dec 2013 | B2 |
8623044 | Timm et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8628529 | Aldridge et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8632461 | Glossop | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8647350 | Mohan et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
8663222 | Anderson et al. | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8685020 | Weizman et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8696665 | Hunt et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8702609 | Hadjicostis | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8702704 | Shelton, IV et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8709035 | Johnson et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8715270 | Weitzner et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8715277 | Weizman | May 2014 | B2 |
8734443 | Hixson et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8747404 | Boudreaux et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8753338 | Widenhouse et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8764747 | Cummings et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8790342 | Stulen et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8795276 | Dietz et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8795327 | Dietz et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8834466 | Cummings et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8834518 | Faller et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8888776 | Dietz et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
8906016 | Boudreaux et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8926608 | Bacher et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
8939974 | Boudreaux et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
8951248 | Messerly et al. | Feb 2015 | B2 |
8956349 | Aldridge et al. | Feb 2015 | B2 |
8979843 | Timm et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8979844 | White et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8986302 | Aldridge et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
9005199 | Beckman et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9011437 | Woodruff et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9044243 | Johnson et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
20020022836 | Goble et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020165541 | Whitman | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020183734 | Bommannan et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030014053 | Nguyen et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030105474 | Bonutti | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030114851 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030130693 | Levin et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030139741 | Goble | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030158548 | Phan et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030216722 | Swanson | Nov 2003 | A1 |
20030229344 | Dycus et al. | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20040019350 | O'Brien et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040092992 | Adams et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
20040138621 | Jahns et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040167508 | Wham et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040193150 | Sharkey et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040232196 | Shelton, IV et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040249374 | Tetzlaff et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20040260273 | Wan | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050015125 | Mioduski et al. | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050033278 | McClurken et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050085809 | Mucko et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050090817 | Phan | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050131390 | Heinrich | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050165429 | Douglas et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050171522 | Christopherson | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050203507 | Truckai et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050261581 | Hughes et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050267464 | Truckai et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060052778 | Chapman et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060064086 | Odom | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060069388 | Truckai et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060159731 | Shoshan | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060270916 | Skwarek et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060293656 | Shadduck et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070027469 | Smith et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070073185 | Nakao | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070073341 | Smith et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070106158 | Madan et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070146113 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070173803 | Wham et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070173813 | Odom | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070185474 | Nahen | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070191713 | Eichmann et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070191830 | Cromton, Jr. et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070203483 | Kim et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070208312 | Norton et al. | Sep 2007 | A1 |
20070232920 | Kowalski et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070232926 | Stulen et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070232927 | Madan et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070232928 | Wiener et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070236213 | Paden et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070239025 | Wiener et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070260242 | Dycus et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20070265613 | Edelstein et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20080015575 | Odom et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080071269 | Hilario et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080114355 | Whayne et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
20080147058 | Horrell et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080147062 | Truckai et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080167522 | Giordano et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080188755 | Hart | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080188851 | Truckai et al. | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080188912 | Stone et al. | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080221565 | Eder et al. | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20080262491 | Swoyer et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080269862 | Elmouelhi et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080281315 | Gines | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20080294158 | Pappone et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20090012516 | Curtis et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20090048589 | Takashino et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20090076506 | Baker | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090076534 | Shelton, IV et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090099582 | Isaacs et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090125026 | Rioux et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090125027 | Fischer | May 2009 | A1 |
20090138003 | Deville et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090138006 | Bales et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090182332 | Long et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090206140 | Scheib et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
20090209979 | Yates et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
20090248002 | Takashino et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090248021 | McKenna | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090320268 | Cunningham et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20090326530 | Orban, III et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100032470 | Hess et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100036370 | Mirel et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100036380 | Taylor et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100076433 | Taylor et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100081863 | Hess et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081864 | Hess et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081880 | Widenhouse et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081881 | Murray et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081882 | Hess et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081883 | Murray et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100081995 | Widenhouse et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100094323 | Isaacs et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100168620 | Klimovitch et al. | Jul 2010 | A1 |
20100222752 | Collins, Jr. et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100237132 | Measamer et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100264194 | Huang et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100274278 | Fleenor et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20110015627 | DiNardo et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110082486 | Messerly et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087214 | Giordano et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087215 | Aldridge et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087216 | Aldridge et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087217 | Yates et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087220 | Felder et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110155781 | Swensgard et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110224668 | Johnson et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110276049 | Gerhardt | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20110276057 | Conlon et al. | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20110301605 | Horner | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20110306965 | Norvell et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20110306967 | Payne et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20120010616 | Huang et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120016413 | Timm et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120022519 | Huang et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120022526 | Aldridge et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120022527 | Woodruff et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120078248 | Worrell et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120083783 | Davison et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
20120109186 | Parrott et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120116379 | Yates et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120116391 | Houser et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120130256 | Buysse et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120136353 | Romero | May 2012 | A1 |
20120150170 | Buysse et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
20120172859 | Condie et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120265196 | Turner et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
20130023875 | Harris et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130030433 | Heard | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130079762 | Twomey et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
20130085496 | Unger et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130103023 | Monson et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130103024 | Monson et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130123776 | Monson et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130123777 | Monson et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130123782 | Trees et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130131660 | Monson et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130253502 | Aronow et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20130338661 | Behnke, II | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20140005680 | Shelton, IV et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140148806 | Witt et al. | May 2014 | A1 |
20140194914 | Hunt et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140194915 | Johnson et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140257284 | Artale | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140330271 | Dietz et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20140343550 | Faller et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20150018826 | Boudreaux | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150066022 | Shelton, IV et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150080876 | Worrell et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150080879 | Trees et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150080891 | Shelton, IV et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150133915 | Strobl et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150133921 | Strobl et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150190189 | Yates et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150196352 | Beckman et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150201953 | Strobl et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150230853 | Johnson et al. | Aug 2015 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
29623113 | Oct 1997 | DE |
20004812 | Sep 2000 | DE |
10201569 | Jul 2003 | DE |
0340803 | Aug 1993 | EP |
0630612 | Dec 1994 | EP |
0705571 | Apr 1996 | EP |
0640317 | Sep 1999 | EP |
0722696 | Dec 2002 | EP |
1293172 | Apr 2006 | EP |
1749479 | Feb 2007 | EP |
1767157 | Mar 2007 | EP |
1878399 | Jan 2008 | EP |
1915953 | Apr 2008 | EP |
1532933 | May 2008 | EP |
1707143 | Jun 2008 | EP |
1943957 | Jul 2008 | EP |
1849424 | Apr 2009 | EP |
2042117 | Apr 2009 | EP |
2060238 | May 2009 | EP |
1810625 | Aug 2009 | EP |
2090238 | Aug 2009 | EP |
2090256 | Aug 2009 | EP |
2092905 | Aug 2009 | EP |
2105104 | Sep 2009 | EP |
1747761 | Oct 2009 | EP |
1769766 | Feb 2010 | EP |
2151204 | Feb 2010 | EP |
2153791 | Feb 2010 | EP |
2243439 | Oct 2010 | EP |
1728475 | Aug 2011 | EP |
2353518 | Aug 2011 | EP |
2508143 | Feb 2014 | EP |
2472216 | Feb 2011 | GB |
H 08-229050 | Sep 1996 | JP |
2008-018226 | Jan 2008 | JP |
WO 8103272 | Nov 1981 | WO |
WO 9307817 | Apr 1993 | WO |
WO 9322973 | Nov 1993 | WO |
WO 9510978 | Apr 1995 | WO |
WO 9635382 | Nov 1996 | WO |
WO 9710764 | Mar 1997 | WO |
WO 9800069 | Jan 1998 | WO |
WO 9840020 | Sep 1998 | WO |
WO 9857588 | Dec 1998 | WO |
WO 9923960 | May 1999 | WO |
WO 9940861 | Aug 1999 | WO |
WO 0024330 | May 2000 | WO |
WO 0024331 | May 2000 | WO |
WO 0025691 | May 2000 | WO |
WO 0128444 | Apr 2001 | WO |
WO 02080797 | Oct 2002 | WO |
WO 03001986 | Jan 2003 | WO |
WO 03013374 | Feb 2003 | WO |
WO 03020339 | Mar 2003 | WO |
WO 03028541 | Apr 2003 | WO |
WO 03030708 | Apr 2003 | WO |
WO 03068046 | Aug 2003 | WO |
WO 2004011037 | Feb 2004 | WO |
WO 2004078051 | Sep 2004 | WO |
WO 2005052959 | Jun 2005 | WO |
WO 2006021269 | Mar 2006 | WO |
WO 2006036706 | Apr 2006 | WO |
WO 2006055166 | May 2006 | WO |
WO 2008020964 | Feb 2008 | WO |
WO 2008045348 | Apr 2008 | WO |
WO 2008099529 | Aug 2008 | WO |
WO 2008101356 | Aug 2008 | WO |
WO 2009022614 | Feb 2009 | WO |
WO 2009036818 | Mar 2009 | WO |
WO 2009039179 | Mar 2009 | WO |
WO 2009059741 | May 2009 | WO |
WO 2009082477 | Jul 2009 | WO |
WO 2009149234 | Dec 2009 | WO |
WO 2010017266 | Feb 2010 | WO |
WO 2010104755 | Sep 2010 | WO |
WO 2011084768 | Jul 2011 | WO |
WO 2011089717 | Jul 2011 | WO |
WO 2011144911 | Nov 2011 | WO |
WO 2013034629 | Mar 2013 | WO |
WO 2013062978 | May 2013 | WO |
Entry |
---|
International Search Report for PCT/US2013/060838, Mar. 19, 2014 (6 pages). |
Arnoczky et al., “Thermal Modification of Conective Tissues: Basic Science Considerations and Clinical Implications,” J. Am Acad Orthop Surg, vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 305-313 (Sep./Oct. 2000). |
Chen et al., “Heat-Induced Changes in the Mechanics of a Collagenous Tissue: Isothermal Free Shrinkage,” Transactions of the ASME, vol. 119, pp. 372-378 (Nov. 1997). |
Chen et al., “Heat-Induced Changes in the Mechanics of a Collagenous Tissue: Isothermal, Isotonic Shrinkage,” Transactions of the ASME, vol. 120, pp. 382-388 (Jun. 1998). |
Chen et al., “Heat-induced changes in the mechanics of a collagenous tissue: pseudoelastic behavior at 37° C,” Journal of Biomechanics, 31, pp. 211-216 (1998). |
Chen et al., “Phenomenological Evolution Equations for Heat-Induced Shrinkage of a Collagenous Tissue,” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, vol. 45, No. 10, pp. 1234-1240 (Oct. 1998). |
Covidien Brochure, [Value Analysis Brief], LigaSure Advance™ Pistol Grip, dated Rev. Apr. 2010 (7 pages). |
Covidien Brochure, LigaSure Atlas™ Hand Switching Instruments, dated Dec. 2008 (2 pages). |
Covidien Brochure, LigaSure Impact™ Instrument LF4318, dated Feb. 2013 (3 pages). |
Covidien Brochure, The LigaSure Precise™ Instrument, dated Mar. 2011 (2 pages). |
Covidien Brochure, The LigaSure™ 5 mm Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider Family, dated Apr. 2013 (2 pages). |
Douglas, S.C. “Introduction to Adaptive Filter”. Digital Signal Processing Handbook. Ed. Vijay K. Madisetti and Douglas B. Williams. Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC, 1999. |
Erbe Electrosurgery VIO® 200 S, (2012), p. 7, 12 pages, accessed Mar. 31, 2014 at http://www.erbe-med.com/erbe/media/Marketingmaterialien/85140-170—ERBE—EN—VIO—200—S D027541. |
Gibson, “Magnetic Refrigerator Successfully Tested,” U.S. Department of Energy Research News, accessed online on Aug. 6, 2010 at http://www.eurekalert.org/features/doe/2001-11/dl-mrs062802.php (Nov. 1, 2001). |
Glaser and Subak-Sharpe, Integrated Circuit Engineering, Addison-Wesley Publishing, Reading, MA (1979). |
Harris et al., “Altered Mechanical Behavior of Epicardium Due to Isothermal Heating Under Biaxial Isotonic Loads,” Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, vol. 125, pp. 381-388 (Jun. 2003). |
Harris et al., “Kinetics of Thermal Damage to a Collagenous Membrane Under Biaxial Isotonic Loading,” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 371-379 (Feb. 2004). |
Hayashi et al., “The Effect of Thermal Heating on the Length and Histologic Properties of the Glenohumeral Joint Capsule,” American Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 25, Issue 1, 11 pages (Jan. 1997), URL: http://www.mdconsult.com/das/article/body/156183648-2/jorg=journal&source=MI&sp=1 . . . , accessed Aug. 25, 2009. |
Henriques. F.C., “Studies in thermal injury V. The predictability and the significance of thermally induced rate processes leading to irreversible epidermal injury.” Archives of Pathology, 434, pp. 489-502 (1947). |
Hörmann et al., “Reversible and irreversible denaturation of collagen fibers.” Biochemistry, 10, pp. 932-937 (1971). |
Humphrey, J.D., “Continuum Thermomechanics and the Clinical Treatment of Disease and Injury,” Appl. Mech. Rev., vol. 56, No. 2 pp. 231-260 (Mar. 2003). |
Jang, J. et al. “Neuro-fuzzy and Soft Computing.” Prentice Hall, 1997, pp. 13-89, 199-293, 335-393,453-496, 535-549. |
Kurt Gieck & Reiner Gieck, Engineering Formulas § Z.7 (7th ed. 1997). |
Lee et al., “A multi-sample denaturation temperature tester for collagenous biomaterials,” Med. Eng. Phy., vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 115-121 (Mar. 1995). |
Moran et al., “Thermally Induced Shrinkage of Joint Capsule,” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, No. 281, pp. 248-255 (Dec. 2000). |
National Semiconductors Temperature Sensor Handbook—http://www.national.com/appinfo/tempsensors/files/temphb.pdf; accessed online: Apr. 1, 2011. |
Sullivan, “Cost-Constrained Selection of Strand Diameter and Number in a Litz-Wire Transformer Winding,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 16, No. 2, Mar. 2001, pp. 281-288. |
Sullivan, “Optimal Choice for Number of Strands in a Litz-Wire Transformer Winding,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 14, No. 2, Mar. 1999, pp. 283-291. |
Wall et al., “Thermal modification of collagen,” J Shoulder Elbow Surg, No. 8, pp. 339-344 (Jul./Aug. 1999). |
Weir, C.E., “Rate of shrinkage of tendon collagen—heat, entropy and free energy of activation of the shrinkage of untreated tendon. Effect of acid salt, pickle, and tannage on the activation of tendon collagen.” Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association, 44, pp. 108-140 (1949). |
Wells et al., “Altered Mechanical Behavior of Epicardium Under Isothermal Biaxial Loading,” Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Biomedical Engineering, vol. 126, pp. 492-497 (Aug. 2004). |
Wright, et al., “Time-Temperature Equivalence of Heat-Induced Changes in Cells and Proteins,” Feb. 1998. ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, vol. 120, pp. 22-26. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/218,558, filed Mar. 18, 2014. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/227,699, filed Mar. 27, 2014. |
U.S. Appl. No. 14/227,708, filed Mar. 27, 2014. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20140094801 A1 | Apr 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61707030 | Sep 2012 | US |