Patent ID: 6361534
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for using an electrosurgical cutting instrument for cutting and cauterizing tissue, the electrosurgical cutting instrument being shaped, sized, and configured to be suitable for open surgical procedures and comprising: a first member having at least one cutting edge; a second member having an anvil surface opposing the cutting edge; means for maintaining the cutting edge substantially parallel to the anvil surface in which at least one of the first and second members moves relative to the other member between an open and closed position such that the cutting edge comes into substantial contact with the anvil surface when the members are in their closed position; at least one electrode disposed on or integral with the first member and at least one other electrode disposed on or integral with the second member, at least two of the electrodes being of opposite polarity for providing electrical energy for cauterization of tissue; isolating means for electrically isolating the first member from the second member; and scissorlike actuation means for moving the first and second members between the open and closed positions, the method comprising the steps of:providing access to the tissue to be cauterized and cut by exposing the interior of a body cavity; locating the tissue to be cauterized and cut; positioning the tissue to be cauterized and cut between the first and second members of the instrument; cutting a section of the tissue by actuating the instrument into a closed position; cauterizing the section of tissue by energizing the electrodes with RF energy supplied by an electrosurgical generator; and closing the access provided to the tissue.