Patent ID: 7951148
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector configured to simultaneously provide radio frequency power and a fluid to treat tissue, the power sufficient to cause a dimensional change of the tissue, the end effector comprising: at least one electrode to deliver the radio frequency power to the tissue; at least one fluid outlet to deliver the fluid to the tissue; a dimensional change sensor configured to grasp the tissue and move relative to a dimensional change of the tissue while having a grasp of the tissue; wherein the dimensional change sensor comprises a first clamp having a first jaw member and a second jaw member and a second clamp having a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first and second jaw members of the first clamp being configured in an opposing manner to grasp tissue therebetween when the first and second jaws of the first clamp are moved together, and the first and second jaw members of the second clamp being configured in to grasp tissue therebetween when the first and second jaws of the second clamp are moved together; and wherein the first jaw members of the first and second clamps are configured to move in correspondence with the dimensional change of the tissue, wherein the at least one electrode is disposed between either the first jaw members of the first and second clamps or the second jaw members of the first and second clamps to treat tissue grasped by the jaw members of the first and second clamps such that the dimensional change in the tissue caused by such treatment will cause a corresponding change in the distance between the first jaw members of the first and second clamps.