Microwave coaptive surgical sealing tool

Abstract

A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing ablative therapy microwave generators. The tool may be provided with irrigation and/or suction.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A tool comprising:
 a first arm having a first clamping element;   a second arm having a second clamping element, the first and second arms movably attached to one another;   a biasing element that biases the first and second arms away from each other;   a first electrode coupled to the first a clamping element;   a microwave generator coupled to the first electrode;   at least one irrigation fluid outlet coupled to the first electrode; and   an actuation member that causes application of microwave energy from the microwave generator and flow of irrigation fluid through the at least one irrigation fluid outlet when the actuation member is actuated.   
     
     
         13 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second clamping elements each have a width of 3-7 mm and a finger ring on a back section of each arm. 
     
     
         14 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second clamping elements each have a width of 4-6 mm. 
     
     
         15 . The tool of  claim 12 , further comprising a first connector electrically connected to the first electrode and adapted to connect to the microwave generator. 
     
     
         16 . The tool of  claim 12 , further including a suction port on the first arm or the second arm and connected to a suction line leading to one or more suction openings in or adjacent to the first electrode. 
     
     
         17 . The tool of  claim 12 , further including a longitudinal projection on the first electrode and a complementary groove on a second electrode, the second electrode coupled to the second clamping element. 
     
     
         18 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more irrigation fluid outlets are connected to an irrigation port on the first arm via an irrigation line. 
     
     
         19 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the actuation member is connected to the microwave generator and to a source of irrigation fluid connected to the irrigation port. 
     
     
         20 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the irrigation line comprises a flexible tube attached to the tool. 
     
     
         21 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the irrigation line comprises an internal duct leading from the first arm to the first electrode. 
     
     
         22 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the irrigation line is attached to and extends along an outer surface of the first arm. 
     
     
         23 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the irrigation line extends within an insulating material. 
     
     
         24 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the biasing element is a spring.