Dynamic and static bipolar electrical sealing and cutting device
An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.
1. A method of treating tissue, comprising:
providing an end effector assembly including:
first and second jaw members coupled to one another;
a static electrical cutting portion disposed on at least one of the jaw members, the static electrical cutting portion including at least one first electrically conductive cutting element and at least one first insulating element cooperating to define a first configuration; and
a dynamic electrical cutting portion disposed on at least one of the jaw members, the dynamic electrical cutting portion including at least one second electrically conductive cutting element and at least one second insulating element cooperating to define a second configuration different from the first configuration;
grasping tissue between the first and second jaw members;
energizing the at least one first electrically conductive cutting element to electrically cut tissue statically grasped between the first and second jaw members;
releasing the grasped tissue;
energizing the at least one second electrically conductive element; and
moving the end effector assembly relative to tissue such that the at least one second electrically conductive element is maintained in contact with and moved relative to tissue to electrically transect tissue.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second jaw members includes an electrically conductive surface, and wherein the method further comprises energizing at least one of the electrically conductive surfaces when tissue is grasped between the first and second jaw members to conduct electrical energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat tissue.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one first electrically conductive cutting element is energized after tissue has been treated to electrically cut tissue.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein energizing the at least one second electrically conductive element and moving the end effector assembly relative to tissue is effected before grasping tissue, treating tissue, and electrically cutting grasped tissue.
5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein energizing the at least one second electrically conductive element and moving the end effector assembly relative to tissue is effected after grasping tissue, treating tissue, and electrically cutting grasped tissue.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the dynamic electrical cutting portion is disposed at a distal end of at least one of the first and second jaw members, and wherein the end effector assembly is moved distally relative to tissue with the at least one second electrically conductive element energized to electrically transect tissue.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the dynamic electrical cutting portion is disposed on a longitudinal side of at least one of the first and second jaw members, and wherein the end effector assembly is moved laterally relative to tissue with the at least one second electrically conductive element energized to electrically transect tissue.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein moving the end effector assembly relative to tissue with the at least one second electrically conductive element energized is effected with the first and second jaw members disposed in an open position relative to one another.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein moving the end effector assembly relative to tissue with the at least one second electrically conductive element energized is effected with the first and second jaw members disposed in a closed position relative to one another.