Surgical instrument and method

Abstract

Abstract A surgical instrument (10) useful for laparoscopic surgery comprising an insulated shaft (12), a control device (14) and a connection (30) to an electrosurgical radiofrequency power source (31), its distal end being of general J-hook form (16) having a tissue-engaging ledge (62), and the shaft supporting a tissue-engaging clamping (54) or cutting (56) member movable toward the ledge (62) in response to the control device (14) so that an artery or other tissue in the pocket of the J-hook can be clamped or cut while radiofrequency current is applied. Instrument constructions incorporate one or two clamping members (54) and a cutting member (56) such that with actuation, coagulation current can be applied while clamping an artery or other tissue against the ledge (62) to stop flow of blood, and by further actuation of suitable current to the cutting member (56), the artery or tissue may be cut. A diamond film on tissue-engaging surfaces of the instrument (10) improves heat transfer.

Inventors

• 👤 John E. Abele
• 👤 Douglas J. Daniels
• 👤 Donald E. Robinson
• 👤 Stephen R. Thistle

Bibliographic Details