1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to microwave antennas used in tissue ablation procedures. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a microwave antenna having a coolant assembly for circulating a dielectric coolant fluid though the microwave antenna.
2. Background of Related Art
In the treatment of diseases such as cancer, certain types of cancer cells have been found to denature at elevated temperatures which are slightly lower than temperatures normally injurious to healthy cells. These types of treatments, known generally as hyperthermia therapy, typically utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat diseased cells to temperatures above 41° Celsius while maintaining adjacent healthy cells at lower temperatures where irreversible cell destruction will not occur. Other procedures utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue also include ablation and coagulation of the tissue. Such ablation procedures, e.g., such as those performed for menorrhagia, are typically done to ablate and coagulate the targeted tissue to denature or kill the tissue. Many procedures and types of devices utilizing electromagnetic radiation therapy are known in the art. Such therapy is typically used in the treatment of tissue and organs such as the prostate, heart, kidney, lung, brain, and liver.
Presently, there are several types of microwave probes in use, e.g., monopole, dipole, and helical which may be inserted into a patient for the treatment of tumors by heating the tissue for a period of time sufficient to cause cell death and necrosis in the tissue region of interest. Such microwave probes may be advanced into the patient, e.g., laparoscopically or percutaneously, and into or adjacent to the tumor to be treated. The probe is sometimes surrounded by a dielectric sleeve.
However, in transmitting the microwave energy into the tissue, the outer surface of the microwave antenna typically may heat up and unnecessarily desiccate, or even necrose, healthy tissue immediately adjacent the antenna outer surface. This creates a water or tissue phase transition (steam) that allows the creation of a significant additional heat transfer mechanism as the steam escapes from the local/active heating area and re-condenses further from the antenna. The condensation back to water deposits significant energy further from the antenna/active treatment site. This local tissue desiccation occurs rapidly resulting in an antenna impedance mismatch, which both limits power delivery to the antenna and effectively eliminates steam production/phase transition as a heat transfer mechanism for tissue ablation.
To prevent the charring of adjacent tissue, several different cooling methodologies are conventionally employed. For instance, some microwave antennas utilize balloons which are inflatable around selective portions of the antenna to cool the surrounding tissue. Thus, the complications associated with tissue damaged by the application of microwave radiation to the region are minimized. Typically, the cooling system and the tissue are maintained in contact to ensure adequate cooling of the tissue.
Other devices attempt to limit the heating of tissue adjacent the antenna by selectively blocking the propagation of the microwave field generated by the antenna. These cooling systems also protect surrounding healthy tissues by selectively absorbing microwave radiation and minimizing thermal damage to the tissue by absorbing heat energy.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of performing an ablation procedure includes the initial step of supplying a fluid to a cooling chamber defined within an antenna assembly. The method also includes the steps of decreasing the temperature of the fluid to form a solid material and insetting the antenna assembly into tissue. The method also includes the step of supplying energy to the antenna assembly to treat tissue. Residual heat from the antenna assembly transitions the solid material back to the fluid. The method also includes the step of circulating the fluid within the antenna assembly to dissipate heat emanating from the antenna assembly.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of performing an ablation procedure includes the initial step of supplying fluid to a cooling chamber defined within a microwave antenna assembly. The method also includes the steps of decreasing the temperature of the fluid to from a solid material and inserting the antenna assembly into tissue. The method also includes the step of supplying microwave energy to the antenna assembly to treat tissue. Residual heat from the antenna assembly transitions the solid material back to the fluid. The method also includes the steps of circulating the fluid within the antenna assembly to dissipate heat emanating therefrom and withdrawing the fluid from the antenna assembly.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue. A coolant source is operably coupled to the power source and is configured to selectively provide fluid to a cooling chamber defined within the antenna assembly. The system also includes a cooling device configured to transition the fluid within the cooling chamber to a solid material. Residual heat from the antenna assembly transitions the solid material back to the fluid when energy is supplied to the antenna assembly to treat tissue. The fluid is configured to circulate within the cooling chamber to dissipate heat emanating from the antenna assembly.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a microwave antenna having a coolant assembly for circulating a dielectric coolant fluid through the microwave antenna. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to solidifying a suitable material (e.g., freezing the dielectric coolant fluid) within the microwave antenna to temporarily stiffen the antenna during percutaneous insertion thereof. That is, a suitable material that is in a liquid phase is supplied to the microwave antenna and through various methods is caused to transition from the liquid phase to a solid phase, thereby stiffening the relatively flexible antenna. Once the antenna is inserted through tissue and placed within the desired surgical site, the resulting heat generated by the application of microwave energy from the antenna to tissue causes the material to transition from the solid phase back to the liquid phase such that the material may be circulated through the microwave antenna and subsequently withdrawn from the microwave antenna, as will be discussed in further detail below.
In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna assembly 12 includes a radiating portion 18 connected by feedline 20 (or shaft) to the cable 16. More specifically, the antenna assembly 12 is coupled to the cable 16 through a connection hub 22 having an outlet fluid port 30 and an inlet fluid port 32 that are connected in fluid communication with a sheath 38. The sheath 38 encloses radiating portion 18 and feedline 20 to form a chamber 89 (
The dipole antenna 40 includes a proximal portion 42 and a distal portion 44 interconnected at a feed point 46. The distal portion 44 and the proximal portion 42 may be either balanced (e.g., of equal lengths) or unbalanced (e.g., of unequal lengths). The proximal portion 42 is formed from the inner conductor 50 and the inner insulator 52 which are extended outside the outer conductor 56, as shown best in
With reference to
Since the radiating portion 18 and the feedline 20 are in direct contact with the coolant fluid 37 these components of the assembly 12 are scaled by a protective sleeve 63 (
Assembly 12 also includes a tip 48 having a tapered end 24 that terminates, in one embodiment, at a pointed end 26 to allow for insertion into tissue with minimal resistance at a distal end of the radiating portion 18. In those cases where the radiating portion 18 is inserted into a pre-existing opening, tip 48 may be rounded or flat. The tip 48 may be formed from a variety of heat-resistant materials suitable for penetrating tissue, such as metals (e.g., stainless steel) and various thermoplastic materials, such as poletherimide, and polyamide thermoplastic resins.
The assembly 12 also includes the connection hub 22, as shown in more detail in
The connection hub 22 also includes a base 81 disposed at a distal end of the first branch 74. More than one inflow 86 and outflow 88 tube may be used. The outflow tube 88 is coupled to the second branch 76 and is in fluid communication with the bypass tube 80 through the second branch 76. In one embodiment, the assembly 12 includes one or more inflow tubes 86a and 86b that are fed through the third branch 78 as shown in
In one embodiment, the second and third branches 76 and 78 may include various types of female and/or male luer connectors adapted to couple inflow and outflow tubes 86 and 88, respectively, from the pump 34 to the assembly 12.
The inflow tube 86a is inserted into the distal end of the distal portion 44 and the inflow tube 86b is inserted at a point proximate the midpoint of the assembly 12 (e.g., the feed point 46), as shown in
In some embodiments, the assembly 12 is substantially formed of flexible material (e.g., polymer) and, thus, is susceptible to bending upon application of pressure thereto. More particularly, attempting percutaneous insertion of assembly 12 may cause the assembly 12 to bend upon contact of tip 48 with tissue due to the flexible makeup of the material from which the assembly 12 is constructed. In this scenario, the antenna 12 may be stiffened prior to insertion into tissue to prevent bending. With this purpose in mind, a suitable material (e.g., the coolant fluid 37 circulated within the assembly 12) may be circulated within chamber 89 and, prior to percutaneous insertion, solidified (e.g., frozen) therein to stiffen the antenna assembly 12. For example, coolant fluid 37 may be frozen to form ice within chamber 89. Any suitable cooling device (not shown) may be utilized to solidify and/or freeze the selected material, such as without limitation, a freezer, a liquid nitrogen spray, a liquid nitrogen bath, thermoelectric cooling (e.g., a Peltier device), dry ice, bio-compatible crystals, and the like.
Upon stiffening, assembly 12 is inserted into the desired surgical site. Heat or residual heat generated by the antenna assembly 12 upon delivery of energy from the radiating portion 18 to tissue increases the temperature of the solidified material or coolant fluid 37 within chamber 89, thereby returning the selected material from a solid state to a liquid state. The liquid state material is circulated throughout the antenna assembly 12, as discussed hereinabove with respect to operation of antenna assembly 12. Any suitable bio-compatible material (e.g., saline, deionized water, etc.) that may be frozen and/or solidified at a threshold temperature may be utilized in this scenario. For example, a suitable material may be substantially solid at or below ambient temperature and substantially liquid at temperatures above ambient temperature. In some embodiments, suitable bio-compatible crystals or waxes may be incorporated within the coolant fluid 37 such that coolant fluid 37 transitions between solid and liquid states at particular temperatures or within particular temperature ranges. In embodiments in which materials other than water are introduced into chamber 89, water or other suitable fluids may be introduced into chamber 89 to flush chamber 89 and facilitate withdrawing of materials from chamber 89 through outlet fluid port 30.
The above-discussed coolant system provides for circulation of dielectric coolant fluid 37 (e.g., saline, deionized water, etc.) through the entire length of the antenna assembly 12. The dielectric coolant fluid 37 removes the heat generated by the assembly 12. By keeping the antenna assembly 12 and/or the ablation zone cooled, there is significantly less sticking of tissue to the antenna assembly 12. In addition, the dielectric coolant fluid 37 acts as a buffer for the assembly 12 and prevents near field dielectric properties of the assembly 12 from changing due to varying tissue dielectric properties. For example, as microwave energy is applied during ablation, desiccation of the tissue around the radiating portion 18 results in a drop in tissue complex permittivity by a considerable factor (e.g., about 10 times). The dielectric constant (er′) drop increases the wavelength of microwave energy in the tissue, which affects the impedance of un-buffered microwave antenna assemblies, thereby mismatching the antenna assemblies from the system impedance (e.g., impedance of the cable 16 and the generator 14). The increase in wavelength also results in a power dissipation zone which is much longer in length along the assembly 12 than in cross sectional diameter. The decrease in tissue conductivity (er″) also affects the real part of the impedance of the assembly 12. The fluid dielectric buffering according to the present disclosure also moderates the increase in wavelength of the delivered energy and drop in conductivity of the near field, thereby reducing the change in impedance of the assembly 12, allowing for a more consistent antenna-to-system impedance match and spherical power dissipation zone despite tissue behavior.
The described embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in a microwave monopolar antenna or other electrosurgical devices. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3736937 | Basiulis | Jun 1973 | A |
5248312 | Langberg | Sep 1993 | A |
5275597 | Higgins et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5330518 | Neilson et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5413588 | Rudie et al. | May 1995 | A |
5464445 | Rudie et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5545137 | Rudie et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5620480 | Rudie | Apr 1997 | A |
5755754 | Rudie et al. | May 1998 | A |
5843144 | Rudie et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5916240 | Rudie et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5916241 | Rudie et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5938692 | Rudie | Aug 1999 | A |
6007571 | Neilson et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6032078 | Rudie | Feb 2000 | A |
6122551 | Rudie et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6188930 | Carson | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6312391 | Ramadhyani et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6490488 | Rudie et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6496737 | Rudie et al. | Dec 2002 | B2 |
6847848 | Sterzer et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6866624 | Chornenky et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
7749011 | Arts | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7863984 | Behnke | Jan 2011 | B1 |
8035570 | Prakash | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8038693 | Allen | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8059059 | Bonn | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8118808 | Smith | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8182480 | Huseman | May 2012 | B2 |
8192427 | Buysse | Jun 2012 | B2 |
8197473 | Rossetto | Jun 2012 | B2 |
8202270 | Rossetto | Jun 2012 | B2 |
8211098 | Paulus | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8216227 | Podhajsky | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8221418 | Prakash | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8235981 | Prakash | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8251987 | Willyard | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8282632 | Rossetto | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8292881 | Brannan | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8328799 | Brannan | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8328800 | Brannan | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8328801 | Brannan | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8334812 | Brannan | Dec 2012 | B2 |
20030065317 | Rudie et al. | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20040116916 | Lentz | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040116917 | Lentz | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20050228370 | Sterzer et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050245920 | Vitullo et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20070179497 | Eggers et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070203551 | Cronin et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070260235 | Podhajsky | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20080183165 | Buysset et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20090306652 | Buysse | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20090326620 | Rossetto | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100030206 | Brannan | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100030208 | Manley | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100030210 | Paulus | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100045558 | Rossetto | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100045559 | Rossetto | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100057070 | Behnke | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100076422 | Podhajsky | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100087808 | Paulus | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100092939 | Belous | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100094272 | Rossetto | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100094273 | Rossetto | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100097284 | Brannan | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100256624 | Brannan | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100262134 | Jensen | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100286681 | Podhajsky | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100286683 | Podhajsky | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100305560 | Peterson | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20100321192 | Brannan | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20100331834 | Peterson | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20110034919 | DeCarlo | Feb 2011 | A1 |
20110054458 | Behnke | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110054459 | Peterson | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110060325 | Bonn | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110060326 | Smith | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110066144 | Bonn | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110071511 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110071512 | Behnke, II | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110071582 | Willyard | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110073594 | Bonn | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077633 | Bonn | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077634 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077635 | Bonn | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077636 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077637 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077638 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110077639 | Brannan | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110098696 | Brannan | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110098697 | Brannan | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110998695 | Brannan | Apr 2011 | |
20110118721 | Brannan | May 2011 | A1 |
20110118731 | Ladtkow | May 2011 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
390937 | Mar 1924 | DE |
1099658 | Feb 1961 | DE |
1139927 | Nov 1962 | DE |
1149832 | Jun 1963 | DE |
1439302 | Jan 1969 | DE |
2439587 | Feb 1975 | DE |
2455174 | May 1975 | DE |
2407559 | Aug 1975 | DE |
2415263 | Oct 1975 | DE |
2429021 | Jan 1976 | DE |
2460481 | Jun 1976 | DE |
2602517 | Jul 1976 | DE |
2504280 | Aug 1976 | DE |
2627679 | Jan 1977 | DE |
2540968 | Mar 1977 | DE |
2820908 | Nov 1978 | DE |
2803275 | Aug 1979 | DE |
2823291 | Nov 1979 | DE |
2946728 | May 1981 | DE |
3143421 | May 1982 | DE |
3045996 | Jul 1982 | DE |
3120102 | Dec 1982 | DE |
3510586 | Oct 1986 | DE |
3604823 | Aug 1987 | DE |
8712328 | Mar 1988 | DE |
3711511 | Jun 1988 | DE |
3904558 | Aug 1990 | DE |
3942998 | Jul 1991 | DE |
4238263 | May 1993 | DE |
4303882 | Aug 1994 | DE |
4339049 | May 1995 | DE |
29616210 | Jan 1997 | DE |
19608716 | Apr 1997 | DE |
19751106 | May 1998 | DE |
19717411 | Nov 1998 | DE |
19751108 | May 1999 | DE |
19801173 | Jul 1999 | DE |
19848540 | May 2000 | DE |
10224154 | Dec 2003 | DE |
10328514 | Mar 2005 | DE |
102004022206 | Dec 2005 | DE |
202005015147 | Mar 2006 | DE |
0 246 350 | Nov 1987 | EP |
0 521 264 | Jan 1993 | EP |
0 556 705 | Aug 1993 | EP |
0 558 429 | Sep 1993 | EP |
0 836 868 | Apr 1998 | EP |
1 159 926 | May 2001 | EP |
179 607 | Nov 1906 | FR |
1 275 415 | Sep 1960 | FR |
1 347 865 | Nov 1963 | FR |
2 276 027 | Jun 1974 | FR |
2 235 669 | Jan 1975 | FR |
2 313 708 | Dec 1976 | FR |
2 502 935 | Oct 1982 | FR |
2 517 953 | Jun 1983 | FR |
2 573 301 | Nov 1984 | FR |
2 862 813 | May 2005 | FR |
2 864 439 | Jul 2005 | FR |
5-5106 | Jan 1993 | JP |
05-40112 | Feb 1993 | JP |
06343644 | Dec 1994 | JP |
07265328 | Oct 1995 | JP |
08056955 | Mar 1996 | JP |
08252263 | Oct 1996 | JP |
09010223 | Jan 1997 | JP |
11244298 | Sep 1999 | JP |
2000342599 | Dec 2000 | JP |
2000350732 | Dec 2000 | JP |
2001008944 | Jan 2001 | JP |
2001029356 | Feb 2001 | JP |
2001128990 | May 2001 | JP |
166452 | Nov 1964 | SU |
401367 | Nov 1974 | SU |
727201 | Apr 1980 | SU |
9706739 | Feb 1997 | WO |
0012010 | Mar 2000 | WO |
0053113 | Sep 2000 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Alexander et al., “Magnetic Resonance Image-Directed Stereotactic Neurosurgery: Use of Image Fusion with Computerized Tomography to Enhance Spatial Accuracy” Journal Neurosurgery, 83 (1995), pp. 271-276. |
Anderson et al., “A Numerical Study of Rapid Heating for High Temperature Radio Frequency Hyperthermia” International Journal of Bio-Medical Computing, 35 (1994), pp. 297-307. |
Anonymous. (1999) Auto Suture MIBB Site Marker: Single Use Clip Applier, United States Surgical (Product instructions), 2 pages. |
Anonymous. (2001) Disposable Chiba Biopsy Needles and Trays, Biopsy and Special Purpose Needles Cook Diagnostic and Interventional Products Catalog (products list), 4 pages. |
Anonymous. (1987) Homer Mammalok™ Breast Lesion Needle/Wire Localizer, Namic® Angiographic Systems Division, Glens Falls, New York, (Hospital products price list), 4 pages. |
Anonymous. (1999) MIBB Site Marker, United States Surgical (Sales brochure), 4 pages. |
Anonymous. Blunt Tubes with Finished Ends. Pointed Cannula, Popper & Sons Biomedical Instrument Division, (Products Price List), one page, Jul. 19, 2000. |
Anonymous. Ground Cannulae, ISPG, New Milford, CT, (Advertisement) one page, Jul. 19, 2000. |
B. Levy M.D. et al., “Randomized Trial of Suture Versus Electrosurgical Bipolar Vessel Sealing in Vaginal Hysterectomy” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 102, No. 1, Jul. 2003. |
B. Levy M.D. et al., “Update on Hysterectomy New Technologies and Techniques” OBG Management, Feb. 2003. |
B. Levy M.D., “Use of a New Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” FIGO 2000, Washington, D.C. |
B. F. Mullan et al., (May 1999) “Lung Nodules: Improved Wire for CT-Guided Localization,” Radiology 211:561-565. |
B. T. Heniford M.D. et al., “Initial Research and Clinical Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Oct. 1999. |
Bergdahl et al., “Studies on Coagulation and the Development of an Automatic Computerized Bipolar Coagulator” Journal of Neurosurgery 75:1 (Jul. 1991), pp. 148-151. |
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 47, No. 5, Aug. 2002, p. 41. |
C. F. Gottlieb et al., “Interstitial Microwave Hyperthermia Applicators having Submillimetre Diameters”, Int. J. Hyperthermia, vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 707-714, 1990. |
C. H. Durney et al., “Antennas for Medical Applications”, Antenna Handbook: Theory Application and Design, p. 24-40, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988 New York, V.T. Lo, S.W. Lee. |
Carbonell et al., “Comparison of the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic Sealer and the Valleylab LigaSure™ Device in the Hemostasis of Small, Medium, and Large-Sized Arteries” Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 2003. |
Carus et al., “Initial Experience With the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Abdominal Surgery” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2002. |
Chicharo et al., “A Sliding Goertzel Algorithm” Aug. 1996 DOS pp. 283-297 Signal Processing, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. Amsterdam, NL, vol. 52, No. 3. |
Chou, C.K., (1995) “Radiofrequency Hyperthermia in Cancer Therapy,” Chapter 941n Biologic Effects of Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields, CRC Press, Inc., pp. 1424-1428. |
Chung et al., “Clinical Experience of Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure™” Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, vol. 46, No. 1, Jan. 2003. |
Cosman et al., “Methods of Making Nervous System Lesions” in William RH, Rengachary SS (eds): Neurosurgery, New York: McGraw Hill, vol. 111, (1984), pp. 2490-2499. |
Cosman et al., “Radiofrequency Lesion Generation and its Effect on Tissue Impedence”, Applied Neurophysiology, 51:230-242, 1988. |
Cosman et al., Theoretical Aspects of “Radiofrequency Lesions in the Dorsal Root Entry Zone” Neurosurgery 15:(1984), pp. 945-950. |
Crawford et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Urologic Cancer Surger” Grand Rounds in Urology 1999, vol. 1, Issue 4, pp. 10-17. |
Dulemba et al., “Use of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealer in Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan. 2004. |
E. David Crawford, “Evaluation of a New Vessel Sealing Device in Urologic Cancer Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 2000. |
E. David Crawford, “Use of a Novel Vessel Sealing Technology in Management of the Dorsal Veinous Complex” Sales/Product Literature 2000. |
Esterline, “Light Key Projection Keyboard” 2004 Advanced Input Systems, located at: <http://www.advanced-input.com/lightkey> last visited on Feb. 10, 2005. |
Esterline Product Literature, “Light Key: Visualize a Virtual Keyboard. One With No Moving Parts”, Nov. 1, 2003; 4 pages. |
Geddes et al., “The Measurement of Physiologic Events by Electrical Impedence” Am. J. MI, Jan. Mar. 1964, pp. 16-27. |
Goldberg et al., “Image-guided Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation: Challenges and Opportunities—Part I”, (2001) J Vasc. Interv. Radiol, vol. 12, pp. 1021-1032. |
Goldberg et al., “Tissue Ablation with Radiofrequency: Effect of Probe Size, Gauge, Duration, and Temperature on Lesion Volume” Acad Radio (1995) vol. 2, No. 5, pp. 399-404. |
H. Schwarzmaier et al., “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Microwave Induced Tissue Heating” Dept. of Laser Medicine & Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology; Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Dec. 8, 1994; pp. 729-731. |
Heniford et al., “Initial Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Surgical Endoscopy (2001) 15:799-801. |
Herman at al., “Laparoscopic Intestinal Resection With the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System: A Case Report” Innovations That Work, Feb. 2002. |
Humphries Jr. et al., “Finite•Element Codes to Model Electrical Heating and Non•Linear Thermal Transport in Biological Media”, Proc. ASME HTD-355, 131 (1997). |
Ian D. McRury et al., The Effect of Ablation Sequence and Duration on Lesion Shape Using Rapidly Pulsed Radiofrequency Energy Through Electrodes, Feb. 2000, Springer Netherlands, vol. 4; No. 1, pp. 307-320. |
Jarrett et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System for Peri-Hilar Vessels in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy” Sales/Product Literature 2000. |
Johnson et al., “Evaluation of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealing Device in Hemorrhoidectomy” Sales/Product Literature, Jan. 2004. |
Johnson, “Evaluation of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Hemorrhoidectormy” American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinic La Congress Poster (2000). |
Johnson, “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Bloodless Hemorrhoidectomy” Innovations That Work, Mar. 2000. |
Joseph G. Andriole M.D. et al., “Biopsy Needle Characteristics Assessed in the Laboratory”, Radiology 148: 659-662, Sep. 1983. |
Joseph Ortenberg, “LigaSure™ System Used in Laparoscopic 1st and 2nd Stage Orchiopexy” Innovations That Work, Nov. 2002. |
K. Ogata, Modern Control Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1970. |
Kennedy et al., “High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing” Surgical Endoscopy (1998) 12: 876-878. |
Kopans, D.B. et al., (Nov. 1985) “Spring Hookwire Breast Lesion Localizer: Use with Rigid-Compression. Mammographic Systems,” Radiology 157(2):537-538. |
Koyle et al., “Laparoscopic Palomo Varicocele Ligation in Children and Adolescents” Pediatric Endosurgery & Innovative Techniques, vol. 6, No. 1, 2002. |
LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System, the Seal of Confidence in General , Gynecologic, Urologic, and Laparaoscopic Surgery, Sales/Product Literature, Jan. 2004. |
Livraghi et al., (1995) “Saline-enhanced RF Tissue Ablation in the Treatment of Liver Metastases”, Radiology, pp. 205-210. |
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, “Compact Directional Microwave Antenna for Localized Heating,” NASA Tech Briefs, Mar. 2008. |
M. A. Astrahan, “A Localized Current Field Hyperthermia System for Use with 192-Iridium Interstitial Implants” Medical Physics. 9(3), May/Jun. 1982. |
Magdy F. Iskander et al., “Design Optimization of Interstitial Antennas”, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, vol. 36, No. 2, Feb. 1989, pp. 238-246. |
McGahan et al., (1995) “Percutaneous Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Electrocautery Ablation of Prostate Tissue in Dogs”, Acad Radiol, vol. 2, No. 1: pp. 61-65. |
McLellan et al., “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Pelvic Surgery” Int'l Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics FIGO World Congress 2000, Washington, DC. |
MDTECH product literature (Dec. 1999) “FlexStrand”: product description, 1 page. |
MDTECH product literature (Mar. 2000) I'D Wire: product description, 1 page. |
Medtrex Brochure “The O.R. Pro 300” 1 page, Sep. 1998. |
Michael Choti, “Abdominoperineal Resection with the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System and LigaSure™ Atlas 20 cm Open Instrument” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2003. |
Muller et al., “Extended Left Hemicolectomy Using the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System” Innovations That Work. LJ, Sep. 1999. |
Murakami, R. et al., (1995). “Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Value of Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation,” American Journal of Radiology (AJR) 164:1159-1164. |
Ni Wei et al., “A Signal Processing Method for the Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Based on a Normalized . . . ” Journal of Applied Sciences•Yingyong Kexue Xuebao, Shangha CN, vol. 23, No. 2:(Mar. 2005); pp. 160-184. |
Ogden, “Goertzel Alternative to the Fourier Transform” Jun. 1993 pp. 485-487 Electronics World; Reed Business Publishing, Sutton, Surrey, BG, vol. 99, No. 9, 1687. |
Olsson M.D. et al., “Radical Cystectomy in Females” Current Surgical Techniques in Urology, vol. 14, Issue 3, 2001. |
Organ, L W., “Electrophysiologic Principles of Radiofrequency Lesion Making” Appl. Neurophysiol, vol. 39: pp. 69-76 (1976/77). |
P.R. Stauffer et al., “Interstitial Heating Technologies”, Thermoradiotheray and Thermochemotherapy (1995) vol. I, Biology, Physiology, Physics, pp. 279-320. |
Palazzo et al., “Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure™ versus open haemorrhoidectomy” British Journal of Surgery 2002,89,154-157 “Innovations in Electrosurgery” Sales/Product Literature; Dec. 31, 2000. |
Paul G. Horgan, “A Novel Technique for Parenchymal Division During Hepatectomy” The American Journal of Surgery, vol. 181, No. 3, Apr. 2001, pp. 236-237. |
Peterson et al., “Comparison of Healing Process Following Ligation with Sutures and Bipolar Vessel Sealing” Surgical Technology International (2001). |
R. Gennari et al., (Jun. 2000) “Use of Technetium-99m-Labeled Colloid Albumin for Preoperative and Intraoperative Localization of Non palpable Breast Lesions,” American College of Surgeons. 190(6):692-699. |
Valleylab Brochure, “Reducing Needlestick Injuries in the Operating Room” 1 page, Mar. 2001. |
Reidenbach, (1995) “First Experimental Results with Special Applicators for High-Frequency Interstitial Thermotherapy”, Society Minimally Invasive Therapy, 4(Suppl 1):40 (Abstr). |
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp. Brochure, “Kleppinger Bipolar Forceps & Bipolar Generator” 3 pages, Jan. 1989. |
Rothenberg et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children” Int'l Pediatric Endosurgery Group (I PEG) 2000. |
Sayfan et al., “Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy: A New Technique” Annals of Surgery, vol. 234, No. 1, Jul. 2001, pp. 21-24. |
Sengupta et al., “Use of a Computer-Controlled Bipolar Diathermy System in Radical Prostatectomies and Other Open Urological Surgery” ANZ Journal of Surgery (2001) 71.9 pp. 538-540. |
Sigel et al., “The Mechanism of Blood Vessel Closure by High Frequency Electrocoagulation” Surgery Gynecology & Obstetrics, Oct. 1965 pp. 823-831. |
Solbiati et al., (2001) “Percutaneous Radio-frequency Ablation of Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: Long-term Results in 117 Patients”, Radiology, vol. 221, pp. 159-166. |
Strasberg et al., “Use of a Bipolar Vassel-Sealing Device for Parenchymal Transection During Liver Surgery” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, vol. 6, No. 4, Jul./Aug. 2002 pp. 569-574. |
Stuart W. Young, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging—Basic Principles, Raven Press, New York, 1984. |
Sugita et al., “Bipolar Coagulator with Automatic Thermocontrol” J. Neurosurg., vol. 41, Dec. 1944, pp. 777-779. |
Sylvain Labonte et al., “Monopole Antennas for Microwave Catheter Ablation”, IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 44, No. 10, pp. 1832-1840, Oct. 1995. |
T. Matsukawa et al., “Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy in Liver Tumors”, Acta Radiologica, vol. 38, pp. 410-415, 1997. |
T. Seki et al., (1994) “Ultrasonically Guided Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” Cancer 74(3):817-825. |
Urologix, Inc.—Medical Professionals: Targis™ Technology (Date Unknown). “Overcoming the Challenge” located at: <http://www.urologix.com!medicaUtechnology.html > last visited on Apr. 27, 2001, 3 pages. |
Urrutia et al., (1988). “Retractable-Barb Needle for Breast Lesion Localization: Use in 60 Cases,” Radiology 169(3):845-847. |
Valleylab Brochure, “Valleylab Electroshield Monitoring System” 2 pages, Nov. 1995. |
ValleyLab Brochure, “Electosurgery: A Historical Overview”, Innovations in Electrosurgery, 1999. |
Vallfors et al., “Automatically Controlled Bipolar Electrocoagulation—‘COA-COMP’” Neurosurgical Review 7:2-3 (1984) pp. 187-190. |
W. Scott Helton, “LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System: Revolutionary Hemostasis Product for General Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 1999. |
Wald et al., “Accidental Burns”, JAMA, Aug. 16, 1971, vol. 217, No. 7, pp. 916-921. |
Walt Boyles, “Instrumentation Reference Book”, 2002, Butterworth-Heinemann, pp. 262-264. |
European Search Report EP 98300964.8 dated Dec. 13, 2000. |
European Search Report EP 98944778 dated Nov. 7, 2000. |
European Search Report EP 98958575.7 dated Oct. 29, 2002. |
European Search Report EP 03721482 dated Feb. 6, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 04009964 dated Jul. 28, 2004. |
European Search Report EP 04013772 dated Apr. 11, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 04015980 dated Nov. 3, 2004. |
European Search Report EP 04015981.6 dated Oct. 25, 2004. |
European Search Report EP 04027314 dated Mar. 31, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 04027479 dated Mar. 17, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 04027705 dated Feb. 10, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 04710258 dated Oct. 15, 2004. |
European Search Report EP 04752343.6 dated Jul. 31, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 04778192.7 dated Jul. 1, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 05002027.0 dated May 12, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 05002769.7 dated Jun. 19, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05013463.4 dated Oct. 7, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 05013895 dated Oct. 21, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 05014156.3 dated Jan. 4, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05016399 dated Jan. 13, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05017281 dated Nov. 24, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 05019130.3 dated Oct. 27, 2005. |
European Search Report EP 05019882 dated Feb. 16, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05020665.5 dated Feb. 27, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05020666.3 dated Feb. 27, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021025.1 dated Mar. 13, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021197.8 dated Feb. 20, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021777 dated Feb. 23, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021779.3 dated Feb. 2, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021780.1 dated Feb. 23, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021935 dated Jan. 27, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021936.9 dated Feb. 6, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021937.7 dated Jan. 23, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021939 dated Jan. 27, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05021944.3 dated Jan. 25, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05022350.2 dated Jan. 30, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05023017.6 dated Feb. 24, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 05025423.4 dated Jan. 19, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 05025424 dated Jan. 30, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 05810523 dated Jan. 29, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 06000708.5 dated May 15, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06002279.5 dated Mar. 30, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06005185.1 dated May 10, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06005540 dated Sep. 24, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06006717.0 dated Aug. 11, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06006961 dated Oct. 22, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06006963 dated Jul. 25, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06008779.8 dated Jul. 13, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06009435 dated Jul. 13, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06010499.9 dated Jan. 29, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 06014461.5 dated Oct. 31, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06018206.0 dated Oct. 20, 2006. |
European Search Report EP 06019768 dated Jan. 17, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06020574.7 dated Oct. 2, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06020583.8 dated Feb. 7, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06020584.6 dated Feb. 1, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06020756.0 dated Feb. 16, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06022028.2 dated Feb. 13, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06023756.7 dated Feb. 21, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 06024122.1 dated Apr. 16, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06024123.9 dated Mar. 6, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 06025700.3 dated Apr. 12, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07000885.9 dated May 15, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001480.8 dated Apr. 19, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001481.6 dated May 2, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001485.7 dated May 23, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001488.1 dated Jun. 5, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001489.9 dated Dec. 20, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001491 dated Jun. 6, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07001527.6 dated May 18, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07007783.9 dated Aug. 14, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07008207.8 dated Sep. 13, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07009026.1 dated Oct. 8, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07009028 dated Jul. 16, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07009029.5 dated Jul. 20, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07009321.6 dated Aug. 28, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07009322.4 dated Jan. 14, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07010672.9 dated Oct. 16, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07010673.7 dated Oct. 5, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07013779.9 dated Oct. 26, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07015191.5 dated Jan. 23, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07015601.3 dated Jan. 4, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07015602.1 dated Dec. 20, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 07018375.1 dated Jan. 8, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07018821 dated Jan. 14, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07019173.9 dated Feb. 12, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07019174.7 dated Jan. 29, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07019178.8 dated Feb. 12, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07020283.3 dated Feb. 5, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 07253835.8 dated Dec. 20, 2007. |
European Search Report EP 08001019 dated Sep. 23, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08004975 dated Jul. 24, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08006731.7 dated Jul. 29, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08006733 dated Jul. 7, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08006734.1 dated Aug. 18, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08006735.8 dated Jan. 8, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 08011282 dated Aug. 14, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 08011705 dated Aug. 20, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 08012829.1 dated Oct. 29, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08015842 dated Dec. 5, 2008. |
European Search Report EP 08019920.1 dated Mar. 27, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 08169973.8 dated Apr. 6, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 09156861.8 dated Aug. 4, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 09161502.1 dated Sep. 2, 2009. |
European Search Report EP 09166708 dated Oct. 15, 2009. |
International Search Report PCT/US98/18640 dated Jan. 29, 1998. |
International Search Report PCT/US98/23950 dated Jan. 14, 1998. |
International Search Report PCT/US99/24869 dated Feb. 11, 2000. |
International Search Report PCT/US01/11218 dated Aug. 14, 2001. |
International Search Report PCT/US01/11224 dated Nov. 13, 2001. |
International Search Report PCT/US01/11340 dated Aug. 16, 2001. |
International Search Report PCT/US01/11420 dated Oct. 16, 2001. |
International Search Report PCT/US02/01890 dated Jul. 25, 2002. |
International Search Report PCT/US02/11100 dated Jul. 16, 2002. |
International Search Report PCT/US03/09483 dated Aug. 13, 2003. |
International Search Report PCT/US03/22900 dated Dec. 2, 2003. |
International Search Report PCT/US03/37110 dated Jul. 25, 2005. |
International Search Report PCT/US03/37111 dated Jul. 28, 2004. |
International Search Report PCT/US03/37310 dated Aug. 13, 2004. |
International Search Report PCT/US04/04685 dated Aug. 27, 2004. |
International Search Report PCT/US04/13273 dated Dec. 15, 2004. |
International Search Report PCT/US04/15311 dated Jan. 12, 2004. |
International Search Report PCT/US05/36168 dated Aug. 28, 2006. |
International Search Report PCT/US08/052460 dated Apr. 24, 2008. |
International Search Report PCT/US09/31658 dated Mar. 11, 2009. |
Roger A. Stern, U.S. Appl. No. 08/136,098, filed Oct. 14, 1993 for Bipolar/Monopolar Endometrial Ablation Device and Method. |
Roger A. Stern, U.S. Appl. No. 08/483,742, filed Jun. 7, 1995 for Method and Apparatus for Endometrial Ablation. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20110060326 A1 | Mar 2011 | US |