Surgical end effectors with bipolar electrodes and isolated monopolar electrodes and related methods

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a first bipolar electrode, a second bipolar electrode, and a first monopolar electrode. The first jaw has a first inner portion and a first outer portion. The second jaw has a second inner portion and a second outer portion and is configured to selectively move relative to the first jaw. The first bipolar electrode is fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw. The second bipolar electrode is fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw. The first monopolar electrode is fixed to the first outer portion of the first jaw or the second outer portion of the second jaw.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Various surgical instruments include tissue-cutting elements and one or more elements that deliver radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal tissue). An example of such electrosurgical instruments is the ENSEAL, manufactured by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. ® Tissue sealing devices. While bipolar energy is often the desired energy mode for these electrosurgical instruments, one or more procedures may benefit from different energy modes, even sequentially during a given procedure. Such sequential application of different energy modes often involves the use of different instruments, which incurs additional costs and time for inserting and removing different instruments within the same procedure, thus reducing the likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

[0002] Although various surgical instruments have been manufactured and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors had manufactured or used the invention described in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Although this specification provides for claims that specifically point out and expressly declare such technology, it is believed that such technology will be better understood from certain examples described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals indicate the same elements, and wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view depicting an example of an electrosurgical instrument; Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 An example of a joint motion component of an electrosurgical instrument and a perspective view of a first exemplary end effector; Figure 3 Depicting integration with electrosurgical devices, such as Figure 1 A side view of a second example of an end effector in an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the end effector is in a closed configuration; Figure 4 Depicting a closed configuration Figure 3 Front view of the end effector; Figure 5 Depicting the open configuration Figure 3 Side view of the end effector; Figure 6A Depicting the closed configuration within the wedged tissue Figure 3 Side view of the end effector; Figure 6B Depicting something similar to Figure 6A A side view of the end effector, but in which the end effector is in an open configuration and unfolded; and Figure 6C Depicting something similar to Figure 6B A side view of the end effector, but in which the end effector is in a closed configuration and the first part of the organization is separated from the other part of the organization.

[0004] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and various embodiments of the present technology are contemplated to be implemented in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present technology and, together with the specification, explain the principles of the present technology; however, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to the precise arrangement shown. Detailed Implementation

[0005] The following description of certain examples of the present technology should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present technology. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is given by way of example and represents one of the best ways contemplated for implementing the present technology. As will be appreciated, the technology described herein can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which are not departing from the present technology. Therefore, the accompanying drawings and descriptions should be considered substantially illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0006] Furthermore, it should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., described herein. Therefore, the following teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0007] For clarity of disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein as relative to a surgeon or other operator holding a surgical instrument with a distal surgical end effector. The term “proximal” refers to the position of the element closer to the surgeon or other operator, and the term “distal” refers to the position of the element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgeon or other operator.

[0008] I. Examples of electrosurgical instruments with bipolar and monopolar electrodes Figures 1 to 2 A surgical system (98) including an example of an electrosurgical instrument (100) is shown. (See example...) Figure 1As best shown herein, the electrosurgical instrument (100) includes a handle assembly (120), a shaft assembly (140), an articulation assembly (110) (also referred to as the articulation segment (110)), and an end effector (180). As will be described in more detail below, the end effector (180) of the electrosurgical instrument (100) is operable to grasp, cut, and seal or weld tissue (e.g., blood vessels, etc.). In this example, the end effector (180) is configured to apply non-therapeutic bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to identify and / or verify the presence of the correct tissue in the end effector, such that therapeutic RF energy can be applied to seal or weld the tissue. However, it should be understood that, based on the teachings herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electrosurgical instrument (100) may be configured to seal or weld tissue by any other suitable means. For example, the electrosurgical instrument (100) may be configured to seal or weld tissue via an ultrasonic scalpel, staples, etc. In this example, the electrosurgical instrument (100) is electrically connected via a power cable (10) to a waveform generator (200) of the surgical system (98), which is capable of delivering therapeutic and non-therapeutic energy.

[0009] The console (190) includes a waveform generator (200), a bipolar power supply (210), and a unipolar power supply (220). The waveform generator (200) may be configured to provide all or part of the power requirements for the electrosurgical instrument (100). Any suitable waveform generator (200) may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. By way of non-limiting example, the waveform generator (200) may be configured according to at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 8,986,302, entitled “SurgicalGenerator for Ultrasonic and Electrosurgical Devices,” published March 24, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bipolar power supply (210) and the unipolar power supply (220) may also be incorporated into the console (190) to provide power to the respective bipolar and unipolar electrodes, as will be described below. The console (190) may include an optional input for the user to select whether they want to send power individually or in combination through any of the waveform generator (200), bipolar power supply (210), and unipolar power supply (220).

[0010] Although in the current example the electrosurgical instrument (100) is connected to the console (190) via a power cable (10), the electrosurgical instrument (100) may include an internal power source or multiple power sources, such as batteries and / or supercapacitors, to power the electrosurgical instrument (100). Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the teachings herein, that any suitable combination of power sources may be used to power the electrosurgical instrument (100).

[0011] The handle assembly (120) is configured to be held by an operator with one hand, enabling the operator to control and manipulate the electrosurgical instrument (100) with one hand. Although the electrosurgical instrument (100) is primarily described herein as being for human use, it should be noted that alternative types exist in which one or more robotic systems (e.g., robotic arms) can be used to control and manipulate the electrosurgical instrument (100). The shaft assembly (140) extends distally from the handle assembly (120) and connects to the articulation assembly (110). The articulation assembly (110) is also connected to the proximal end of the end effector (180). As will be described in more detail below, the components of the handle assembly (120) are configured to control the end effector (180), enabling the operator to grasp, cut, seal, or weld tissue. The articulation assembly (110) is configured to deflect the end effector (180) from the longitudinal axis (LA) defined by the shaft assembly (140).

[0012] The handle assembly (120) of this invention includes a control unit (102) (which may also be referred to herein as a controller (102)) housed within a body (122), a pistol grip (124), a jaw closure trigger (126), a knife trigger (128), an activation button (130), a joint motion control (132), and a knob (134). As will be described in more detail below, the jaw closure trigger (126) is pivotable toward and away from the pistol grip (124) and / or the body (122) to open and close the jaws (182, 184) of the end effector (180) to grasp tissue. Additionally, the knife trigger (128) is pivotable toward and away from the pistol grip (124) and / or the body (122) to actuate the knife member (176) within the jaws (182, 184) to cut tissue captured between the jaws (182, 184). Additionally, pressing the activation button (130) allows for the application of bipolar and / or monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue via the bipolar electrodes (194, 196) and / or monopolar electrodes (170, 172) of the jaws (182, 184), respectively. In some configurations, the bipolar electrodes (194, 196) of the jaws (182, 184) are in a bifurcated configuration, wherein the bipolar electrodes (194, 196) are movable relative to the central axis and are nearly equal to and opposite each other.

[0013] The body (122) of the handle assembly (120) defines an opening (123) through which a portion of the articulation control (132) protrudes. The articulation control (132) is rotatably disposed within the body (122) such that an operator can rotate the portion of the articulation control (132) protruding from the opening (123) to rotate the portion of the articulation control (132) located within the body (122). Rotation of the articulation control (132) relative to the body (122) will cause the articulation assembly (110) to bend in order to drive the end effector (180) to deflect from the longitudinal axis (LA) defined by the shaft assembly (140). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein, the articulation control (132) and the articulation assembly (110) may include any suitable features to drive the end effector (180) to deflect from the longitudinal axis (LA) defined by the shaft assembly (140).

[0014] A knob (134) is rotatably disposed on the distal end of the body (122) and configured to rotate the end effector (180), the articulation assembly (110), and the shaft assembly (140) relative to the shank assembly (120) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the shaft assembly (140). Although in the present example the end effector (180), the articulation assembly (110), and the shaft assembly (140) are rotated by the knob (134), the knob (134) may be configured to rotate the end effector (180) and the articulation assembly (110) relative to selected portions of the shaft assembly (140). It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein that the knob (134) may include any suitable features for rotating the end effector (180), the articulation assembly (110), and the shaft assembly (140).

[0015] The shaft assembly (140) includes a distal portion (142) extending distally from the shank assembly (120) and a proximal portion housed within the body (122) of the shank assembly (120). The shaft assembly (140) houses a portion of the blade member (176) extending between the distal cutting edge (178) of the blade member (176) and the blade trigger (128). The shaft assembly (140) also houses an actuating member (112) connecting the articulation assembly (110) to the articulation control member (132); and an electrical connection (not shown) operatively connecting electrodes (194, 196) to an activation button (130). The blade component (176) is connected to the blade trigger (128) of the shank assembly (120) to translate the distal cutting edge (178) within the range of the end effector (180); and the activation button (130) is configured to activate the electrodes (194, 196).

[0016] like Figure 2 As shown in the best embodiment, the end effector (180) includes a lower jaw (182) pivotally connected to the upper jaw (184) via a pivoting coupling (198). Although Figures 1 to 2 A pivotable upper jaw (184) is shown, but this should not be construed as limiting, as alternative examples may exist in which both the lower jaw (182) and the upper jaw (184) pivot relative to the articulated motion assembly (110). In the current example, the lower jaw (182) includes a proximal body (183) defining a slot (186), while the upper jaw (184) includes a proximal arm (185) defining a slot (188). The lower jaw (182) also defines a central channel (191) configured to receive the proximal arm (185) of the upper jaw (184), portions of the blade member (176), and a pin (164). The slots (186, 188) each slidably receive the pin (164), which is attached to the distal connecting portion (162).

[0017] See also Figure 2 The lower jaw (182) is curved and includes a monopolar electrode (170). Similarly, the upper jaw (184) is also curved and includes a similar monopolar electrode (172). The monopolar electrodes (170, 172) may be similarly curved and thus extend along the entire length or a portion of the length of the respective upper and lower jaws (182, 184). As shown, the monopolar electrodes (170, 172) are in the form of fins extending upward and downward away from the respective upper and lower jaws (182, 184). The monopolar electrodes (170, 172) may include a height of approximately 3 mm and a lateral width less than that height. The monopolar electrodes (170, 172) are electrically connected to a monopolar power supply (220) and are capable of delivering monopolar energy to adjacent tissue for cutting and / or cauterizing tissue. The unipolar power supply (220) may include a selective input (not shown) capable of selecting a particular unipolar electrode (170, 172) or both to energize it.

[0018] The insulating layers (174, 175) of the upper and lower jaws (182, 184) electrically isolate the unipolar electrodes (170, 172) from the corresponding bipolar electrodes (194, 196). Additionally, the bipolar power supply (210) and the unipolar power supply (220) are electrically isolated from each other within the control panel (190) and along the power cable (10). By electrically isolating the unipolar and bipolar components, the user can ensure that electricity is not unintentionally transferred between them.

[0019] Figures 3 to 5A second example of an end effector (280) is depicted, which may be substantially similar in form and function to the end effector (180), but with the following differences. The end effector (280) includes an upper jaw (284) and a lower jaw (282), both of which are straight jaws extending linearly in the longitudinal direction. The upper jaw (284) includes a monopolar electrode (272), an insulating layer (275), and a bipolar electrode (294), such that the insulating layer (275) electrically isolates the monopolar electrode (272) from the bipolar electrode (294). The lower jaw (282) may include similar components such as the monopolar electrode (270), the insulating layer (274), and the bipolar electrode (294). In an alternative example, the monopolar electrode (272) may include a ball-shaped end (273) extending from its distal end. The ball-shaped tip (273) may extend distally in the longitudinal direction beyond the remainder of the end effector (280), thus becoming the most distal extension of the end effector (280). Alternatively, the ball-shaped tip (273) may not extend beyond the remainder of the end effector (280), such that the ball-shaped tip is located entirely proximal to another portion of the end effector (280). The ball-shaped tip (273) may include a sharp distal end for cutting tissue or a blunt end for moving tissue.

[0020] Figure 5 Depicting from such Figures 3 to 4 The end effector (280) shown transitions from a closed configuration to an open configuration, in which each of the jaws (282, 284) is pivotable relative to the articular segment (230). Each jaw (282, 284) can pivot selectively relative to the articular segment (230) independently of the other jaw (282, 284). One jaw (282, 284) can be securely attached to the articular segment (230), while the other jaw (282, 284) can pivot relative to the articular segment (230). A unipolar power supply (220) can energize the unipolar electrodes (270, 272) in both the open and closed configurations, allowing energy to be transferred to adjacent tissues.

[0021] Figures 6A to 6C An end effector (280) is depicted for separating and ablating adjacent tissue to gain access to distal tissue portions. Either end effector (180, 280) can be used in the apparatus shown. Figure 6A As shown, the end effector (280) in a closed configuration can be inserted into or wedged into an opening in the tissue, causing the tissue to compress the end effector (280). During insertion, the operator can energize the monopolar electrodes (270, 272) to ablate and cut the tissue for easier insertion. Figure 6BAs shown, once inserted into the end of the tissue, the operator can switch the end effector (280) from a closed configuration to an open configuration to further separate the tissue. During this switch, the operator can energize the monopolar electrodes (270, 272) to ablate and cut the tissue for easier separation. When the end effector (280) is in the open configuration, the operator can continue to ablate and cut the tissue to ensure proper tissue separation. Figure 6C As shown, the configuration can then be switched from open to closed. The ablated and cut tissue remains separated and does not impede further distal advance of the end effector (280). Figures 6A to 6C The steps shown can be repeated indefinitely until the target tissue site has been reached. The remaining portion of the end effector (280) as described above can then be used to assess, seal, cut, and ablate the target tissue site.

[0022] II. Exemplary Combinations The following examples illustrate various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein can be combined or applied. The following examples are not intended to limit the scope of any claim that may be filed at any time in this patent application or any subsequent filing thereof. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided merely for illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered definitive unless otherwise expressly indicated by the inventor or a successor with an interest in the inventor at a later date. If any claim set forth in this patent application or any subsequent filing relating to this patent application includes additional features beyond those mentioned below, such additional features should not be presumed to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

[0023] Example 1 A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a shaft assembly; and an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector comprises: a first jaw having a first inner portion and an opposing first outer portion; a second jaw having a second inner portion and an opposing second outer portion and configured to selectively move relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the first inner portion and the second inner portion face each other in the closed configuration; a first bipolar electrode fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw; a second bipolar electrode fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw; and a first monopolar electrode fixed to the first outer portion of the first jaw or the second outer portion of the second jaw.

[0024] Example 2 According to the surgical instrument of Embodiment 1, the first bipolar electrode is fixed to the first internal portion of the first jaw, wherein the second bipolar electrode is fixed to the second internal portion of the second jaw, and wherein the first monopolar electrode is fixed to the first external portion of the first jaw.

[0025] Example 3 According to the surgical instrument of Embodiment 1, the first monopolar electrode is fixed to the first outer portion of the first jaw, wherein the first outer portion of the first jaw includes a first outer surface, and wherein the first monopolar electrode extends distally along the first outer surface.

[0026] Example 4 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first monopolar electrode defines a fin shape.

[0027] Example 5 According to any one or more of the surgical instruments described in Embodiments 1 to 4, the first monopolar electrode has an electrode height and an electrode width, wherein the electrode height extends upward from the first outer surface in an upward direction, wherein the electrode width extends laterally along the first outer surface in a lateral direction transverse to the upward direction and the distal direction, and wherein the electrode height is greater than the electrode width.

[0028] Example 6 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first monopolar electrode includes a spherical end located at its distal end.

[0029] Example 7 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first jaw is pivotable relative to the shaft assembly.

[0030] Example 8 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the second jaw is pivotable relative to the shaft assembly.

[0031] Example 9 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first monopolar electrode is securely fixed to the first jaw.

[0032] Example 10 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the size of the end effector is set to fit within the cannula.

[0033] Example 11 A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a shaft assembly; and an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly in a distal direction, wherein the end effector includes: a first jaw having a first inner surface and an opposing first outer surface; and a second jaw having a second inner surface and an opposing second outer surface and configured to selectively pivot relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other in the closed configuration; a first bipolar electrode fixed to the first inner surface of the first jaw; a second bipolar electrode fixed to the second inner surface of the second jaw; and a first monopolar electrode fixed to the first inner surface of the first jaw and extending distally along the first outer surface, wherein the first monopolar electrode defines a fin shape.

[0034] Example 12 The surgical instrument according to Embodiment 11 further includes a power supply having a bipolar power supply and a unipolar power supply, wherein the bipolar power supply is configured to supply energy to the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode, and wherein the unipolar power supply is configured to supply energy to the first unipolar electrode.

[0035] Example 13 According to the surgical instrument of Embodiment 12, the bipolar power supply and the unipolar power supply are electrically isolated from each other.

[0036] Example 14 According to one or more of the surgical instruments described in Examples 11 to 13, the power supply is configured to selectively operate the bipolar power supply or the unipolar power supply.

[0037] Example 15 The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the end effector further includes a second monopolar electrode positioned along the second outer surface of the second jaw.

[0038] Example 16 According to the surgical instrument of Embodiment 15, the second monopolar electrode has the same shape as the first monopolar electrode.

[0039] Example 17 According to one or more of the surgical instruments described in Examples 11 to 16, the first jaw has an elongated length, wherein the first monopolar electrode is in the shape of a fin extending along the elongated length of the first jaw.

[0040] Example 18 A method for applying at least one of monopolar and bipolar energy to tissue using a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising: (a) a shaft assembly; and (b) an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw having a first internal portion and an opposing first external portion; and (ii) a second jaw having a second internal portion and an opposing second external portion and configured to be selectively movable relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the first internal portion and the second internal portion face each other in the closed configuration; (iii) a first bipolar electrode, the first bipolar electrode being fixed to a first internal portion of a first jaw or a second internal portion of a second jaw, (iv) a second bipolar electrode, the second bipolar electrode being fixed to a first internal portion of a first jaw or a second internal portion of a second jaw, and (v) a first monopolar electrode, the first monopolar electrode being fixed to a first external portion of a first jaw or a second external portion of a second jaw, the method comprising: selectively energizing the first monopolar electrode or the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to apply at least one of the monopolar energy and the bipolar energy to the tissue.

[0041] Example 19 According to the method of Embodiment 18, the selective energization further includes: selectively energizing the first unipolar electrode to apply the unipolar energy to the tissue; and selectively energizing the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to apply the unipolar energy to the tissue.

[0042] Example 20 The method according to any one or more of Embodiments 18 to 19 further includes electrically isolating the unipolar electrode from each of the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode.

[0043] III. Miscellaneous It should be understood that any type of device described herein may also include various other features besides those described above, or as alternatives to those features. By way of example only, any device herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which such teachings can be combined will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Although the examples described herein are primarily set within the context of electrosurgical instruments, it should be understood that the various teachings herein can be readily applied to a wide variety of other types of devices. By way of example only, the various teachings herein can be readily applied to other types of electrosurgical instruments, tissue graspers, tissue regeneration capsule placement instruments, surgical suture devices, surgical clip forceps, ultrasonic surgical instruments, etc. It should also be understood that the teachings herein can be readily applied to any device described in any of the references cited herein, such that the teachings herein can be readily combined with the teachings of any of the references cited herein in various ways. Other types of devices incorporating the teachings herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0045] It should be understood that any or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., described herein can be combined with any or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., described herein. Therefore, the aforementioned teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc., should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0046] It should be understood that any patent, patent publication, or other public material allegedly incorporated herein by reference, whether in whole or in part, is incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with the existing definitions or other public materials set forth in this disclosure. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly listed herein replace any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or part thereof, allegedly incorporated herein by reference that conflicts with the existing definitions or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing public materials.

[0047] The aforementioned devices can be applied to both traditional medical treatments and surgeries performed by medical professionals and robot-assisted medical treatments and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems, such as the DAVINCI system from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). ™System. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein can be readily combined with the various teachings of U.S. Patent No. 6,783,524, entitled "Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument," published August 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The types described above may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, these types may be repaired for reuse after at least one use. Repair may include any combination of the following steps: disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts, and subsequently reassembling. Specifically, some types of devices may be disassembled, and any combination may be used to selectively replace or remove any number of specific parts or portions of the device. While cleaning and / or replacing specific components, some types of devices may be reassembled at a repair facility or by the operator prior to the procedure for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that device repair can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques and the resulting repaired devices are within the scope of this application.

[0049] By way of example only, the types described herein can be sterilized before and / or after the procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. The container and device can then be placed in a radiation field capable of penetrating the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device can then be stored in a sterile container for later use. Any other techniques known in the art can also be used to sterilize the device, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or vapor.

[0050] Various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, and further improvements to the methods and systems described herein can be achieved by suitable modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Several such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the embodiments, implementations, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc., discussed above are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be considered in accordance with the following claims and should be understood as not being limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, said surgical instrument comprising: (a) Shaft assembly; as well as (b) An end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly in a distal direction, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) A first jaw, the first jaw having a first inner portion and an opposing first outer portion. (ii) A second jaw, the second jaw having a second inner portion and an opposing second outer portion, and configured to be selectively movable relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration toward an open configuration, wherein the first inner portion and the second inner portion face each other in the closed configuration. (iii) A first bipolar electrode, the first bipolar electrode being fixed to the first internal portion of the first jaw or the second internal portion of the second jaw. (iv) A second bipolar electrode, the second bipolar electrode being fixed to the first internal portion of the first jaw or the second internal portion of the second jaw, and (v) A first monopolar electrode, the first monopolar electrode being fixed to the first external portion of the first jaw or the second external portion of the second jaw.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first bipolar electrode is fixed to the first internal portion of the first jaw, wherein the second bipolar electrode is fixed to the second internal portion of the second jaw, and wherein the first unipolar electrode is fixed to the first external portion of the first jaw.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first monopolar electrode is fixed to the first outer portion of the first jaw, wherein the first outer portion of the first jaw includes a first outer surface, and wherein the first monopolar electrode extends distally along the first outer surface.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein, The first monopolar electrode defines the fin shape.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein, The first unipolar electrode has an electrode height and an electrode width, wherein the electrode height extends upward from the first outer surface in an upward direction, wherein the electrode width extends laterally along the first outer surface in a lateral direction transverse to the upward direction and the distal direction, and wherein the electrode height is greater than the electrode width.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first unipolar electrode includes a spherical end located at its distal end.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first jaw is pivotable relative to the shaft assembly.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The second jaw is pivotable relative to the shaft assembly.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The first unipolar electrode is securely fixed to the first jaw.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The end effector is sized to fit inside the cannula.

11. A surgical instrument, said surgical instrument comprising: (a) Shaft assembly; as well as (b) An end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly in a distal direction, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) A first jaw, the first jaw having a first inner surface and opposing first outer surfaces, and (ii) A second jaw having a second inner surface and opposing second outer surfaces, and configured to selectively pivot relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other in the closed configuration. (iii) A first bipolar electrode, the first bipolar electrode being fixed to the first inner surface of the first jaw. (iv) A second bipolar electrode, the second bipolar electrode being fixed to the second inner surface of the second jaw, and (v) A first monopolar electrode, the first monopolar electrode being fixed to the first outer surface of the first jaw and extending distally along the first outer surface, wherein the first monopolar electrode defines a fin shape.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 further comprises a power supply having a bipolar power supply and a unipolar power supply, wherein, The bipolar power supply is configured to supply energy to the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode, wherein the unipolar power supply is configured to supply energy to the first unipolar electrode.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The bipolar power supply and the unipolar power supply are electrically isolated from each other.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The power supply is configured to selectively operate either the bipolar power supply or the unipolar power supply.

15. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein, The end effector further includes a second monopolar electrode positioned along the second outer surface of the second jaw.

16. The surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein, The shape of the second unipolar electrode is the same as that of the first unipolar electrode.

17. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein, The first jaw has an elongated length, wherein the first monopolar electrode is in the shape of a fin extending along the elongated length of the first jaw.

18. A method for applying at least one of monopolar energy and bipolar energy to tissue using a surgical instrument, said surgical instrument comprising: (a) Shaft assembly; and (b) an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly in a distal direction, wherein the end effector includes: (i) a first jaw having a first inner portion and an opposing first outer portion; and (ii) a second jaw having a second inner portion and an opposing second outer portion and configured to selectively move relative to the first jaw from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the first inner portion and the second inner portion face each other in the closed configuration; (iii) a first bipolar electrode fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw; (iv) a second bipolar electrode fixed to the first inner portion of the first jaw or the second inner portion of the second jaw; and (v) a first unipolar electrode fixed to the first outer portion of the first jaw or the second outer portion of the second jaw, the method comprising: (a) Selectively energize the first monopolar electrode or the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to apply at least one of the monopolar energy and the bipolar energy to the tissue.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, Selective energization also includes: (a) Selectively energizing the first monopolar electrode to apply the monopolar energy to the tissue; and (b) Selectively energize the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to apply the unipolar energy to the tissue.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising electrically isolating the unipolar electrode from each of the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode.

Images