Bipolar sealed tissue temperature detection using infrared temperature sensor

Abstract

A surgical device comprising: a handle comprising at least one user input mechanism; and a shaft extending distally from the handle, the shaft comprising a distal end. In an example, a thermal assembly is operably couplable to the distal end of the shaft, the thermal assembly comprising a heating element, wherein the thermal assembly comprises at least one heating element and is electrically coupled to the at least one user input mechanism. In an example, a temperature monitoring mechanism is couplable to the handle, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism comprises a temperature monitoring technology such that a temperature of at least one of the thermal assembly or a target tissue region of a patient is monitored during a procedure utilizing the surgical device, wherein the temperature monitoring technology comprises at least one infrared sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 589,529, filed October 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This technology generally relates to the field of medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgical procedures. More specifically, this disclosure relates to surgical devices, units, systems, and methods that can provide tissue temperature monitoring during procedures related to hemostasis or sealing of body tissues. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates in its entirety to the field of medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgical procedures. More specifically, this disclosure relates to surgical devices, units, systems, and methods that can provide hemostasis or sealing of body tissues (including bone) while continuously, simultaneously, or periodically monitoring the temperature of the tissue or bone.

[0004] Management and control of intraoperative bleeding may involve tissue coagulation, hemostasis, or sealing techniques, and are typically performed using electrodes powered by a suitable power source. A typical electrosurgical device delivers electrical energy to the area of ​​tissue that will be affected by applying a potential difference or signal between an active electrode and a return electrode on the patient's grounded body, or between an active electrode and a return electrode on the device. The electrosurgical device allows electrical energy to pass through the tissue between the electrodes to provide coagulation to control bleeding and hemostasis to seal the tissue. Electrosurgical devices are typically held by the surgeon and connected via cables to a power source, such as an electrosurgical unit with a generator.

[0005] Dry-tip electrosurgical devices can adversely affect tissue and surgical procedures by drying or perforating tissue, causing tissue to stick to electrodes, burning or charring tissue, and generating fumes at the surgical site. Recently, fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices have been developed that use saline to suppress such undesirable effects, control the temperature of the treated tissue, and electrically connect the device to the tissue. Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices have also been developed that, when used in conjunction with conductive fluids such as saline, can move along the tissue surface without cutting the tissue to seal it, thereby suppressing blood and other fluid loss during surgery.

[0006] Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices apply radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy and a conductive fluid to provide a seal for soft tissue and bone in applications such as orthopedic surgeries (e.g., total hip replacement or THA and total knee replacement or TKA), spinal tumor surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and cardiac implantation of electronic devices, as well as other surgeries, such as general intraoperative procedures. The combination of RF energy and the conductive fluid allows the electrosurgical device to operate at approximately 100 degrees Celsius, nearly 200 degrees Celsius lower than conventional electrosurgical devices. Hemostasis is typically performed using a fluid-assisted device with electrodes arranged in a bipolar configuration, known as a bipolar sealer. Bipolar sealers have been shown to reduce the incidence of hematomas and transfusions by controlling bleeding, help maintain hemoglobin levels, reduce surgical time in many procedures, and decrease the use of hemostatic agents.

[0007] However, there is a lack of real-time or near-real-time temperature monitoring solutions for electrodes and sealed tissues. Due to the limited or absent options for monitoring electrodes and tissues, patients face a higher risk of overheating, burns, and other complications that could be avoided with more efficient or effective monitoring technologies. Therefore, more efficient electrode and tissue temperature monitoring solutions are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure generally relates to the field of medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgical procedures. More specifically, this disclosure relates to surgical devices, units, systems, and methods that can provide hemostasis or sealing of body tissues (including bone) while continuously, simultaneously, or periodically monitoring the temperature of the tissue or bone.

[0009] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a surgical device comprising: a handle including at least one user input mechanism; and a shaft extending distally from the handle, the shaft including a distal end. In an example, a thermal assembly may be operatively coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the thermal assembly including a heating element, wherein the thermal assembly includes at least one heating element and is electrically coupled to at least one user input mechanism. In an example, a temperature monitoring mechanism may be coupled to the handle, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism includes temperature monitoring technology such that the temperature of at least one of the thermal assembly or a target tissue area of ​​the patient is monitored during procedures utilizing the surgical device, wherein the temperature monitoring technology includes at least one infrared sensor.

[0010] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for operating a surgical device, the method comprising providing a hemostatic seal of tissue at a target area of ​​a patient using a thermal assembly operably coupled to a distal end of a shaft, the thermal assembly including a heating element electrically coupled to at least one user input mechanism. In an example, the method further includes: coupling the user input mechanism to a handle, wherein the shaft extends distally; and monitoring and determining the temperature of the target tissue area or the thermal assembly during the hemostatic seal.

[0011] Details of one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the technology described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical system based on an example.

[0013] Figure 2 This is shown based on the example. Figure 1 A side view of an example surgical device for a system, which includes a thermal assembly with an internal temperature monitoring mechanism.

[0014] Figure 3 An example block diagram method for temperature detection and monitoring during hemostasis or sealing procedures is shown, based on an example. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example surgical system 10, which may include a handheld surgical device for delivering heat to provide hemostasis or sealing of body tissue, including bone, selectively incorporating continuous (e.g., with a stable and adjustable flow rate) or periodic fluid dispersion. In the example, periodic use of fluid dispersion may include dispersing fluid at given time intervals, every “C” seconds / minutes / etc., or as needed by a clinician (e.g., via user input). In the example, system 10 may be included within a handheld surgical device. In the example, system 10 may include selectively dispersed fluid, for example, the fluid may be dispersed at the discretion of the clinician or operator of system 10. In the example, the dispersed fluid may be implemented as continuously dispersed when the device is activated. In the example, the fluid may be distributed at a constant flow rate selectively determined by the clinician or operator. In embodiments, the fluid may be water, saline, or other fluid-like substances that can cool or otherwise reduce the temperature of the area undergoing a hemostasis or sealing procedure.

[0016] System 10 may include a thermal energy source 12 coupled to a heating element 14. In one example, the thermal energy source 12 may include an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the heating element 14. In this example, the heating element 14 may be configured as a surgical device (e.g., Figure 2 This is part of a heating assembly on the distal end of a handheld surgical device 100. The heating element 14 may comprise a resistive material configured to increase in temperature when current flows through it. A thermal energy source 12 may be selectively activated via a switch, button, lever, directional pad, or any other input mechanism to apply current to the heating element 14. Activation of the heating assembly can rapidly heat the heating element 14 to a temperature range of approximately 80 degrees Celsius to approximately 110 degrees Celsius, for example, to a pre-selected temperature within that range. In one example, the heating element 14 may include a low thermal mass or thermal capacity, such that the heating element 14 can be heated to a pre-selected temperature or temperature range within a predetermined or set time period (e.g., between one or two seconds of activation) and can be cooled to a safe temperature (e.g., below a threshold temperature) within a predetermined or set time period of deactivation (e.g., between one or two seconds).

[0017] System 10 may include a temperature monitoring mechanism 16 operatively coupled to detect the temperature of heating element 14 and / or body tissue subjected to hemostasis or sealing by the patient. Temperature monitoring mechanism 16 may determine the temperature of heating element 14 or patient body tissue indirectly (i.e., non-contactly), as will be described in more detail below. Temperature monitoring mechanism 16 may be operatively coupled to controller 18 to monitor the temperature of heating element 14 and patient tissue. Controller 18 may include processor 19 and memory 20 to receive signals, information, data, etc., transmitted by temperature monitoring mechanism 16 and execute a set of instructions in an application to monitor the temperature of heating element 14 and patient tissue. In this example, system 10 may include a display or data output capable of being coupled to an external monitor for providing a graphical display or indication or other information of the temperature determined by controller 18. In this example, the display or output may be external to or coupled to a surgical device (e.g., handheld surgical device 100). For example, the display or output may include a continuous or periodic monitoring display of the temperature at a target tissue area or heating element 16. In the example, temperature monitoring can be performed in parallel with the use of heating element 14 during hemostasis or sealing procedures.

[0018] In this example, system 10 may include an alarm mechanism (e.g., LED light, internal speaker, display, etc.) coupled to system 100. This alarm mechanism can generate an alarm, such as a visual or audio alarm (e.g., activating a light, flashing a light continuously, generating an audible warning or alarm indication, etc.), when the controller detects that the temperature of heating element 14 or patient tissue exceeds a threshold temperature. In this example, the threshold temperature may be displayed via an electrical connection or wirelessly coupled to a display of the alarm mechanism. If the threshold temperature is reached or exceeded, the clinician may see or hear the alarm during a hemostasis or sealing procedure, prompting at least a temporary halt to the procedure. In this example, the clinician may stop the procedure based on the alarm, or apply additional fluid to the treatment area before continuing the hemostasis or sealing procedure to allow the temperature of heating element 14 or patient tissue to cool to an acceptable temperature level. In this example, if the threshold temperature is reached or exceeded, action may be taken automatically or manually by the clinician during the hemostasis or sealing procedure. In this embodiment, if the threshold temperature is reached or exceeded, the power supplied to heating element 14 may be automatically reduced or shut off. In this implementation, if a threshold temperature is reached or exceeded, fluid can be automatically supplied to the heating element 14 or automatically supplied to the target tissue area. In this example, the clinician can at least temporarily halt the procedure based on an alarm or action taken. In this example, the threshold temperature can be dynamically or automatically modified based on the type of tissue and the location of the procedure being performed within the patient.

[0019] In this example, system 10 can provide selective application of fluid if needed by the surgeon. The fluid can be supplied from a fluid source, which may include a fluid bag, through a drip chamber into a delivery line, and delivered to a handheld surgical device. In one example, the fluid includes saline, and may include physiological saline such as a 0.9% weight / volume solution of sodium chloride (NaCl). Saline is a conductive fluid, and other suitable conductive fluids may be used. In other examples, the fluid may include a non-conductive fluid, such as deionized water.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a surgical device 100 with a thermal component 102 that can be used with system 10 is shown. The thermal component 102 may include exposed conductive surfaces configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical energy supplied from a power source, which is not necessarily within the RF range. In the example, the thermal component 102 may be electrically coupled to the power source via one or more power cables 104. The thermal component 102 may be configured to provide an electrode / tissue interface for the patient. The thermal component 102 may be configured to optimize hemostatic sealing of tissues (including bone) in the absence of fluid or in conjunction with selective or constant delivery of fluid.

[0021] The surgical device 100 may include a handpiece 106. The handpiece 106 includes a handle 106 that may include finger or hand grip portions (e.g., having a ridge) on the lower surface or bottom portion of the surgical device 100, and these finger or hand grip portions are intended to be held in the hand of a surgeon or clinician. In the example, the device 100 may be wired (e.g., a power cable 104) or wireless, and includes features of a thermal control system within the handpiece 104. The handpiece 104 may include a proximal end 108 for maintaining balance and receiving electrical communication from a power source 12 via the power cable 104 or wirelessly (e.g., a battery). In the example, the handpiece 104 may comprise a sterilizable, rigid, electrically insulating material, such as a synthetic polymer (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

[0022] Handle 106 may include an upper surface opposite the lower surface. Controller 110 may include, for example, one or more input actuation mechanisms, such as one or more buttons, switches, etc. (not shown), and may be coupled to circuitry such as a printed circuit board. In the example, the input actuation mechanism may be disposed on the upper or lower surface and configured to be operated by a user (e.g., via the user's thumb or finger to control one or more functions of the surgical device 100). In the example, the input actuation mechanism may provide binary activation (on / off) control for each function and may be configured as a button, lever, etc. For example, the user input mechanism may be pushed or switched to activate the thermal assembly 102 and released or pushed back to deactivate the thermal assembly 102. In the example, an additional switch or input (not shown) may be used to selectively activate fluid dispersion.

[0023] In the example, the surgical system 100 may include temperature monitoring technology 112 (e.g., reflecting the same or similar capabilities as temperature monitoring mechanism 16) such that the temperature of the thermal assembly 102 or the temperature of the tissue under hemostasis or sealing can be determined and monitored during surgical procedures (e.g., hemostasis or sealing of tissue (including bone)). In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may include at least one infrared (IR) temperature sensor. One or more IR temperature sensors may include at least one active or passive infrared sensor. In the example, additional or alternative user input mechanisms may be used to selectively control temperature monitoring technology 112. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may be activated (e.g., simultaneously with the activation of the surgical device 100). Temperature monitoring technology 112 may continuously or periodically monitor and detect the temperature of the thermal assembly 102 or the tissue under sealing 114 while the surgical device 100 is activated. In the example, when the surgical device 100 is deactivated, the monitoring and detection of the thermal assembly 102 or the tissue under sealing 114 may be deactivated. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 can be activated independently and periodically monitor and detect the temperature of the thermal assembly 102 or the sealed tissue 114 when the surgical device 100 is in use. In the example, periodic monitoring may include manually activating and deactivating monitoring, activating monitoring "X" times within a specific time period, or activating monitoring every "Y" seconds / minute, etc.

[0024] In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may be coupled to surgical device 100 (e.g., to handle 106 or probe assembly 122). In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may be coupled to surgical device 100 such that temperature monitoring technology 112 is positioned to provide a field of view 116 capable of monitoring the temperature of a target tissue region 114. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may be positioned to monitor the temperature of a patient's tissue region via field of view 116, which may include target tissue undergoing hemostasis or sealing, and portions of the tissue region surrounding the target tissue region. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 may include a field of view 116 capable of monitoring the temperature of thermal assembly 102. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 (e.g., including at least one IR temperature sensor) may be positioned, angled, or otherwise coupled relative to surgical device 100 such that an accurate, precise, or at least near-precise field of view 116 can be achieved for thermal assembly 102 or sealed tissue 114, and the temperature can be determined. In the example, temperature monitoring technology 112 includes a field of view 116 sufficient to allow clinicians to accurately monitor the temperature of the thermal assembly 102 or the sealed tissue 114 with near-perfect precision. It should be understood that other functions and controls for the surgical device 100 and temperature monitoring technology 112 are conceivable.

[0025] In the example, the surgical device 100 may include a probe assembly 122 extending distally from the handpiece 104. The probe assembly 122 may include a shaft 122. The shaft 122 or other portions of the device 100 may include one or more elements forming a subassembly, which is typically one or more of the following configurations: rigid, flexible, fixed-length, variable-length (including telescopic or axially extendable or axially retractable lengths), or otherwise. The shaft 122 may be configured to transfer thermal energy to the thermal assembly 102. The shaft 122 carries one or more electrical conductors to a distal end 124 including the thermal assembly 102. Electrical pathways in the handpiece 104 and the probe assembly 120 may be formed as conductive arms, wires, traces, other conductive elements, and other electrical pathways formed of conductive materials (e.g., metals, stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver, platinum, or any other suitable material). In the example, the surgical device 100 can selectively disperse fluid via at least one fluid lumen coupled within the shaft 122, and the at least one fluid lumen can extend into the handpiece 104 and connect to a delivery line disposed in a cable extending from the proximal end 108. The fluid lumen may include an outlet port disposed on or near the heating assembly 102 for selectively dispersing fluid at or near the target tissue region 114.

[0026] In this example, during operation of the surgical device 100, temperature monitoring technology 112 can receive or detect incoming reflected IR radiation (e.g., reflected from the target tissue region 114 or the thermal assembly 102) at the monitored location or device. For example, when the target tissue region 114 experiences a temperature change due to heating (e.g., hemostasis or sealing surgery), or when the temperature of the thermal assembly 102 rises / changes, the system can receive the IR radiation and process it as temperature data. Based on the IR radiation received by the IR sensor, the detected and determined temperature data can be transmitted and processed, for example, by the temperature controller 18. In this example, precise or near-precise values ​​of the received IR radiation can be processed, and an accurate measurement of the temperature of the monitored target tissue region 114 or the thermal assembly 102 can be detected or indicated.

[0027] In the example, based on temperature data, a precise control system can be designed to control the temperature to regulate the flow rate of saline solution dispensed to the target tissue area 114 or the heating assembly 102. In the example, if the tissue temperature changes beyond a threshold temperature, potentially leading to tissue burns, an alarm can be triggered for the clinician. In the example, the alarm may include generating an audible signal, activating a visual indicator (e.g., a flashing light optionally coupled to or connected to the surgical device 100), and other alarm mechanisms to notify the clinician to perform an action (e.g., introduce additional saline solution into the monitoring area) or to halt the action (e.g., at least temporarily stop the surgical procedure). In the example, if the measured temperature reaches or exceeds the threshold temperature, an action (e.g., reducing the power supplied to the heating assembly 102 or draining the fluid) can be automatically triggered and implemented. In the example, measured or calculated temperature data (e.g., via a user interface) can be sent or displayed to the clinician, such as the previous temperature of the monitoring area, the new or current temperature of the monitoring area, temperature changes in the monitoring area, and other temperature data. It should be understood that additional alarm mechanisms and data associated with the surgical procedure are envisioned.

[0028] Figure 3 An example block diagram method for temperature detection and monitoring during a hemostasis or sealing procedure is shown. In the example, a surgical device 100 is available and can be used during the hemostasis or sealing procedure. At 202, a clinician can initiate a tissue hemostasis or sealing procedure, and at 204, the surgical device 100 is activated. In the example, hemostasis or sealing of tissue (including bone) is initiated at or near the target tissue area.

[0029] At 206, the temperature at or near the target area or thermal component can be monitored using temperature monitoring technology (e.g., including at least one IR sensor). In the example, the temperature monitoring technology receives and processes incoming infrared radiation reflected from or near the target area of ​​the hemostasis or sealing procedure, or receives incoming infrared radiation reflected from the thermal component. At 208, the incoming infrared radiation can be received by the temperature monitoring technology and can be processed to determine the temperature change or current temperature at or near the target area or thermal component.

[0030] At point 210, an alarm can be activated if the determined temperature or temperature change exceeds a threshold temperature. In the example, the alarm can be either visually or audibly activated, bringing it to the attention of a clinician or others near the hemostasis or sealing procedure. In the example, the alarm can instruct the clinician to at least temporarily halt the hemostasis or sealing procedure. In the example, the alarm can initiate an action to automatically dispense additional fluids (such as saline) to the target area. In the example, the alarm can trigger an action to automatically deactivate the surgical apparatus or reduce power, causing the temperature of thermal components to decrease.

[0031] The process, namely steps 206, 208, and 210, can be repeated until the hemostasis or sealing procedure is completed. In the example, the temperature monitoring technology coupled to the surgical device can be a real-time or near-real-time temperature monitoring system to monitor and control the temperature of the heating element or target tissue area, thereby creating closed-loop temperature control (e.g., for automatically or manually activating the dispensing of fluids such as saline, or deactivating or reducing the power supplied via the heating element). Therefore, automatic or manual monitoring, control, and management of the temperature of the heating element or target tissue area can be achieved. At step 212, the surgical device can be deactivated, and the hemostasis or sealing procedure is completed.

[0032] Example 1 includes a surgical device comprising: a handle including at least one user input mechanism; a shaft extending distally from the handle; a heating assembly operatively coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the heating assembly including a heating element, wherein the heating assembly includes at least one heating element and is electrically coupled to the at least one user input mechanism; and a temperature monitoring mechanism including temperature monitoring technology such that the temperature of at least one of the heating assembly or a target tissue area of ​​the patient can be non-contactly monitored during procedures using the surgical device, wherein the temperature monitoring technology includes at least one infrared sensor configured to receive infrared radiation within a field of view.

[0033] Example 2 includes the surgical device according to Example 1, wherein the thermal component is configured to: provide a hemostatic seal on tissue and monitor the temperature of at least one of the thermal component or the target tissue region of the patient.

[0034] Example 3 includes the surgical device according to Example 2, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism continuously monitors and determines the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region of the patient via the at least one infrared sensor.

[0035] Example 4 includes the surgical device according to Example 2, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism periodically monitors and determines the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region of the patient via the at least one infrared sensor.

[0036] Example 5 includes the surgical device according to Example 1, wherein the at least one infrared sensor includes at least one active infrared sensor.

[0037] Example 6 includes the surgical device according to Example 1, wherein the at least one infrared sensor includes at least one passive infrared sensor.

[0038] Example 7 includes the surgical device according to Example 1, wherein an alarm is triggered when the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature.

[0039] Example 8 includes the surgical device according to Example 7, wherein the threshold temperature exceeds 110 degrees Celsius.

[0040] Example 9 includes a surgical device according to Example 1, wherein the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature, and the power delivered to the surgical device is automatically reduced.

[0041] Example 10 includes a surgical device according to Example 1, wherein the temperature of at least one of the thermal component or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature, automatically draining fluid into the target tissue region.

[0042] Example 11 includes a method for operating a surgical device, the method comprising: providing a hemostatic seal of tissue at a target area of ​​a patient using a thermal assembly operably coupled to a distal end of a shaft, the thermal assembly including a heating element electrically coupled to at least one user input mechanism; coupling the user input mechanism to a handle, wherein the shaft extends distally; and monitoring and determining the temperature of at least one of the target tissue area or the thermal assembly via a temperature monitoring mechanism during the hemostatic seal procedure.

[0043] Example 12 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: using at least one infrared sensor coupled to the surgical device to monitor the temperature, wherein the at least one infrared sensor is configured to receive infrared radiation within the field of view.

[0044] Example 13 includes the method according to Example 12, the method further comprising: the at least one infrared sensor including at least one active infrared sensor.

[0045] Example 14 includes the method according to Example 12, the method further comprising: the at least one infrared sensor including at least one passive infrared sensor.

[0046] Example 15 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: continuously monitoring and determining the temperature of at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal assembly by means of the temperature monitoring mechanism, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism includes at least one infrared sensor configured to receive infrared radiation within the field of view.

[0047] Example 16 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: periodically monitoring and determining the temperature of at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal assembly by means of the temperature monitoring mechanism, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism includes at least one infrared sensor configured to receive infrared radiation within the field of view.

[0048] Example 17 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: issuing an alarm when the temperature of at least one of the target tissue region or thermal assembly exceeds a determined threshold temperature.

[0049] Example 18 includes the method according to Example 17, the method further including: the determined threshold temperature exceeding 110 degrees Celsius.

[0050] Example 19 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: automatically reducing the power delivered to the surgical device when at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal component exceeds a determined threshold temperature.

[0051] Example 20 includes the method according to Example 11, the method further comprising: automatically discharging fluid into the target tissue region when at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal component exceeds a determined threshold temperature.

[0052] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein can be combined with combinations different from those specifically presented in the specification and drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain actions or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different order, or may be completely added, combined, or omitted (e.g., performing these techniques may not require all the described actions or events). Furthermore, although for clarity some aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosure can be performed by combinations of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.

[0053] In one or more examples, the described techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. The computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that corresponds to a tangible medium, such as a data storage medium (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer).

[0054] Instructions can be executed by one or more processors (such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Therefore, the term "processor" as used herein can refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other physical structures suitable for implementing the described techniques. Furthermore, these techniques can be fully implemented in one or more circuit or logic elements.

Claims

1. A surgical device (100), characterized in that: Handle (106), the handle includes at least one user input mechanism (110). Shaft (122), which extends distally from the handle; A heating assembly (102) is operatively coupled to the distal end (124) of the shaft, the heating assembly including at least one heating element and electrically coupled to at least one user input mechanism; A temperature monitoring mechanism (112), wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism includes temperature monitoring technology that enables non-contact monitoring of the temperature of the thermal component or a target tissue area (114) of the patient during the procedure of using the surgical device, wherein the temperature monitoring technology includes at least one infrared sensor configured to receive infrared radiation within the field of view.

2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the thermal component is configured to: provide a hemostatic seal on the tissue and monitor the temperature of at least one of the thermal component or the target tissue region of the patient.

3. The surgical device according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism continuously monitors and determines the temperature of at least one of the thermal component or the target tissue region of the patient via the at least one infrared sensor.

4. The surgical device according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the temperature monitoring mechanism periodically monitors and determines the temperature of at least one of the thermal component or the target tissue region of the patient via the at least one infrared sensor.

5. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one infrared sensor comprises at least one active infrared sensor.

6. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one infrared sensor comprises at least one passive infrared sensor.

7. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an alarm is triggered when the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature.

8. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an alarm is triggered or an action is performed when the temperature of at least one of the thermal components or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature of 110 degrees Celsius.

9. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein if the temperature of at least one of the heating component or the target tissue region exceeds a threshold temperature, the power delivered to the surgical device is automatically reduced or the fluid is automatically drained into the target tissue region.

10. A method for operating a surgical device, characterized in that: A thermal assembly (102) operably coupled to the distal end of a shaft (122) provides a hemostatic seal of tissue at a target area (114) of the patient, the thermal assembly including a heating element electrically coupled to at least one user input mechanism (110). The user input mechanism is coupled to a handle (106), wherein the shaft extends distally from the handle; as well as Temperature monitoring technology (112) is used to non-contactly monitor and determine the temperature of the target tissue area or at least one of the thermal components during the hemostasis sealing procedure.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The temperature is monitored using at least one infrared sensor coupled to the surgical device, wherein the at least one infrared sensor is configured to receive infrared radiation within the field of view.

12. The method according to claims 10 to 11, further comprising: The at least one infrared sensor includes at least one active infrared sensor.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: The at least one infrared sensor includes at least one passive infrared sensor.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: The temperature of at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal component is determined based on a lookup table, wherein the lookup table includes a temperature-wavelength variation pair, the wavelength variation being determined based on one or more signals transmitted via fiber Bragg grating technology of the temperature monitoring technique.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising performing actions including at least one of: issuing an alarm when the temperature of at least one of the target tissue region or the thermal assembly exceeds a threshold temperature, automatically reducing the power delivered to the surgical device, or automatically draining fluid into the target tissue region.

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