US 12,408,970 B2
Systems and methods for sealing and dissecting tissue using an electrosurgical forceps including a thermal cutting element
James D. Allen, IV, Broomfield, CO (US); John A. Hammerland, Arvada, CO (US); William E. Robinson, Boulder, CO (US); Daniel A Joseph, Golden, CO (US); Michael B. Lyons, Boulder, CO (US); and Ken Netzel, Loveland, CO (US)
Assigned to Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on Apr. 2, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/838,551.
Prior Publication US 2021/0307812 A1, Oct. 7, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/12 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/1445 (2013.01) [A61B 18/1233 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00601 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00875 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00898 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method, performed by a control device, for treating tissue, comprising:
determining whether an activation switch has been engaged with tissue present between first and second jaw members;
supplying electrosurgical energy to the first and second jaw members to seal the tissue present between the first and second jaw members in response to a determination that the activation switch has been engaged, wherein the electrosurgical energy is conducted between sealing surfaces of the first and second jaw members and through the tissue;
determining if sealing is complete;
stopping the supply of electrosurgical energy in response to a determination that sealing is complete;
determining, in response to a determination that sealing is complete, whether the activation switch is still engaged;
activating a cutting element to supply energy to cut the sealed tissue in response to a determination that the activation switch is still engaged;
determining if cutting is complete; and
stopping the supply of energy in response to a determination that the cutting is complete.