Tissue engagement apparatus for theapeutic ultrasound apparatus and method
Inventors
MITCHELL, Stuart B. • Hadford, Eric • Baker, Daniel
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10925628-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Various devices related to a therapeutic ultrasound device for use during a medical procedure to cauterize tissue are disclosed. The device includes an apparatus for tissue engagement. The apparatus includes a first jaw and a second jaw that each includes a body portion and an ear located adjacent to the body portion. The body portion is configured to receive an acoustic stack and the ear includes a slot configured to receive a first pin. The first and second jaws include an opening located between the body portion and the ear. The opening is configured to receive a second pin such that the first jaw and the second jaw are configured to rotate about the second pin.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a therapeutic ultrasound system and therapeutic ultrasound apparatus for tissue engagement at a target site, using a tissue engagement assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw. Each jaw comprises a body portion housing an acoustic stack configured to provide therapeutic ultrasound to the tissue, with an opening located at a proximal end of the body portion. The jaw openings retain the first jaw and second jaw opposite one another using a moveable fastener or a fastener.
The jaws are configured to move relative to each other as the moveable fastener is moved in a first direction or a second direction, such that the jaws close to apply engagement force to the tissue and therapeutic ultrasound is applied to the tissue as the jaws close. The apparatus is configured so that engagement force is applied to tissue as the first jaw and the second jaw close, and the therapeutic ultrasound generated by the acoustic stack is applied to the tissue during closure. The described jaw engagement is for applying therapeutic ultrasound while the tissue is engaged and then disengaging from the tissue.
The disclosed instrument further includes concepts for treatment monitoring and end-of-treatment detection. Reflected power based on voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is described to indicate end-of-treatment, and the content also describes air-pocket/backing pocket concepts and optional lining to improve efficiency and enable well-contained midline energy deposition.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a therapeutic ultrasound system for tissue engagement, a therapeutic ultrasound apparatus with ultrasound-generating acoustic stacks integrated into opposable jaws, and a method of applying therapeutic ultrasound to tissue by engaging, delivering ultrasound, and disengaging. Across the independent claims, the core inventive elements include a narrow-width jaw assembly with an acoustic stack, fastening/retention of opposable jaws at proximal openings, and delivering therapeutic ultrasound while engagement force is applied during jaw closure.
Narrow-width tissue engagement jaw assembly with acoustic stack
A tissue engagement assembly having a width less than about 15 millimeters configured to apply engagement force to tissue at a target site, including a first jaw and a second jaw, each jaw comprising a body portion housing an acoustic stack configured to provide therapeutic ultrasound to the tissue at the target site.
Opposable jaws retained by a moveable fastener
The first jaw and second jaw located opposite one another and retained at respective openings with a moveable fastener, such that the first jaw and second jaw move relative to each other as the moveable fastener is moved in a first direction or a second direction.
Proximal opening retention of ultrasound-generating jaws with engagement during closure
First jaw and second jaw configured to be retained at first and second openings with a fastener, and configured to engage tissue such that an engagement force is applied to the tissue as the first jaw and the second jaw close and therapeutic ultrasound generated by the acoustic stack is applied to the tissue as the first jaw and the second jaw close.
Method of applying therapeutic ultrasound with engage, provide ultrasound, and disengage
A method comprising guiding a tissue engagement assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw including at least one acoustic stack configured to provide therapeutic ultrasound, actuating the tissue engagement assembly to engage the jaws with tissue at the target site, applying engagement force, providing the therapeutic ultrasound to the tissue at the target site, and actuating the tissue engagement assembly to disengage the first jaw and the second jaw from the tissue at the target site.
Overall claim coverage centers on opposable, proximal-opening-retained jaws containing an acoustic stack that provides therapeutic ultrasound to tissue at a target site while engagement force is applied during jaw closure, with a moveable-fastener arrangement for relative jaw motion and a method that explicitly includes engage, provide therapeutic ultrasound, and disengage.
Stated Advantages
In vivo porcine kidney experiments are described as having no observed bleeding post-resection.
A defined ablation plane is described.
Reflected power based on voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is described to indicate end-of-treatment.
Air-pocket/backing pocket and optional lining concepts are described as improving efficiency and enabling well-contained midline energy deposition.
Documented Applications
In vivo porcine kidney experiments are described, including resection and post-resection assessment of bleeding and a defined ablation plane.
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