Surgical instruments and methods for performing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures

Abstract

An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members each including one or more tissue-contacting plates. One or both jaw members is movable relative to the other between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting plates. The tissue-contacting plates are adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between. One of the jaw members includes an insulative member extending towards the other member. The insulative member includes a plurality of crests each defining a blunt apex and a proximally-facing sharpened edge. The blunt apexes contact tissue upon approximation of the first and second jaw members to grasp tissue, while the proximally-facing sharpened edges facilitate tissue cutting in a ripping fashion upon proximal translation of the end effector assembly relative to tissue.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 035,814 and 62 / 035,799, both of which were filed on Aug. 11, 2014. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______. The entire contents of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and methods and, more particularly, to surgical instruments and methods for performing tonsillectomy and / or adenoidectomy procedures.[0004]2. Background of Related Art[0005]The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and are generally located in the back of the throat. These parts of the lymphatic system are generally used for sampling bacteria and viruses entering the body and activating the immune system when warranted to produce antibodies to fight oncoming infections. More partic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an end effector assembly for a surgical instrument that includes first and second jaw members with tissue-contacting plates that can be opened and closed for grasping tissue. The tissue-contacting plates have energy conducting areas to allow energy to be applied to the tissue without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Additionally, one of the jaw members has an insulative member that helps in cutting of tissue near the treatment area. Overall, this invention allows for safer and efficient surgical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids (e.g., tonsillitis) impedes the ability of the tonsils and adenoids to destroy the bacteria resulting in a bacterial infection.

Persistent infection typically leads to enlarged tonsil tissue which may need to be removed since in many cases the enlarged tissue causes airway obstruction leading to various sleep disorders such as snoring or, in some cases, sleep apnea.

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