US 8,313,486 B2Grant

System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure using an ablation device with an integrated imaging device

Issue Date:2012-11-20

•18 Claims

•5 Drawing Sheets

Abstract

An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly.

Metadata

Assignee

Vivant Medical, Inc.

Inventors

Steven Kim
Kyle R. Rick
Mani N. Prakash

Application Information

Application Number:US 12/696,966

Filing Date:2010-01-29

Priority Date:2010-01-29

Art Unit:3739

Classifications

IPC:

A61B18/18

Patent Drawings (5 sheets)

Description

Background

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to energy-based apparatuses, systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure using an ablation system including an integrated imaging device.

[0003] 2. Background of Related Art

[0004] In the treatment of diseases such as cancer, certain types of cancer cells have been found to denature at elevated temperatures (which are slightly lower than temperatures normally injurious to healthy cells.) These types of treatments, known generally as hyperthermia therapy, typically utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat diseased cells to temperatures above 41° C., while maintaining adjacent healthy cells at lower temperatures where irreversible cell destruction will not occur. Other procedures utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue also include ablation and coagulation of the tissue. Such microwave ablation procedures, e.g., such as those performed for menorrhagia, are typically done to ablate and coagulate the targeted tissue to denature or kill the tissue. Many procedures and types of devices utilizing electromagnetic radiation therapy are known in the art. Such microwave therapy is typically used in the treatment of tissue and organs such as the prostate, heart, liver, lung, kidney, and breast.

[0005] One non-invasive procedure generally involves the treatment of tissue (e.g., a tumor) underlying the skin via the use of microwave energy. The microwave energy is able to non-invasively penetrate the skin to reach the underlying tissue. However, this non-invasive procedure may result in the unwanted heating of healthy tissue. Thus, the non-invasive use of microwave energy requires a great deal of control.

[0006] Presently, there are several types of microwave probes in use, e.g., monopole, dipole, and helical. One type is a monopole antenna probe, which consists of a single, elongated microwave conductor exposed at the end of the probe. The probe is typically surrounded by a dielectric sleeve. The second type of microwave probe commonly used is a dipole antenna, which consists of a coaxial construction having an inner conductor and an outer conductor with a dielectric junction separating a portion of the inner conductor. The inner conductor may be coupled to a portion corresponding to a first dipole radiating portion, and a portion of the outer conductor may be coupled to a second dipole radiating portion. The dipole radiating portions may be configured such that one radiating portion is located proximally of the dielectric junction, and the other portion is located distally of the dielectric junction. In the monopole and dipole antenna probe, microwave energy generally radiates perpendicularly from the axis of the conductor.

[0007] The typical microwave antenna has a long, thin inner conductor that extends along the axis of the probe and is surrounded by a dielectric material and is further surrounded by an outer conductor around the dielectric material such that the outer conductor also extends along the axis of the probe. In another variation of the probe that provides for effective outward radiation of energy or heating, a portion or portions of the outer conductor can be selectively removed. This type of construction is typically referred to as a “leaky waveguide” or “leaky coaxial” antenna. Another variation on the microwave probe involves having the tip formed in a uniform spiral pattern, such as a helix, to provide the necessary configuration for effective radiation. This variation can be used to direct energy in a particular direction, e.g., perpendicular to the axis, in a forward direction (i.e., towards the distal end of the antenna), or combinations thereof.

[0008] Invasive procedures and devices have been developed in which a microwave antenna probe may be either inserted directly into a point of treatment via a normal body orifice or percutaneously inserted. Such invasive procedures and devices potentially provide better temperature control of the tissue being treated. Because of the small difference between the temperature required for denaturing malignant cells and the temperature injurious to healthy cells, a known heating pattern and predictable temperature control is important so that heating is confined to the tissue to be treated. For instance, hyperthermia treatment at the threshold temperature of about 41.5° C. generally has little effect on most malignant growth of cells. However, at slightly elevated temperatures above the approximate range of 43° C. to 45° C., thermal damage to most types of normal cells is routinely observed. Accordingly, great care must be taken not to exceed these temperatures in healthy tissue.

[0009] In the case of tissue ablation, a high radio frequency electrical current in the range of about 500 mHz to about 10 gHz is applied to a targeted tissue site to create an ablation volume, which may have a particular size and shape. The targeted tissue site is observed prior to the application of energy thereto to ensure accurate placement of the ablation device (e.g., microwave antenna) relative to the targeted tissue site. Typically, observation is facilitated through scanned data obtained through use of imaging devices such as CT, MRI, PET, or other tomographic or X-ray devices. However, images obtained using such scanning techniques before, during, or after an electrosurgical procedure, such as tissue ablation, are obtained from outside the patient and, therefore, are often lacking in quality due to distortions and the limitations of two-dimensional imaging.

Summary

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the inner conductor. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient and an introducer having a distal end configured to penetrate tissue. The introducer has a lumen disposed coaxially therein at least partially along its length. The lumen is configured to receive the antenna assembly therein. The system also includes an imaging device disposed on the introducer configured to provide imaging data to a processing unit corresponding to tissue proximate the introducer. The processing unit is configured to generate an image based on the imaging data.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for performing an electrosurgical procedure includes the steps of positioning an ablation device including an imaging device proximate a desired tissue site of a patient and imaging the desired tissue site to generate corresponding imaging data. The method also includes the steps of generating a display of the desired tissue site based on the imaging data and re-positioning the ablation device proximate the desired tissue site based on the display. The method also includes the step of supplying energy from an energy source to the ablation device for application to the desired tissue site.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microwave ablation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views of the microwave ablation device of FIG. 1 connected to a generator according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2C-2C of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged side views of the microwave ablation device of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an introducer for use with the microwave ablation device of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description

[0019] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to the portion of a structure that is closer to a user, while the term “distal” will refer to the portion of the structure that is farther from the user.

[0020] Generally, the present disclosure relates to the use of an ablation device having an integrated imaging device, such as an ultrasound transducer adapted to generate image data by generating sound waves within the ultrasound frequency range toward a desired imaging site and subsequently receiving echoing of such sound waves from the desired imaging site. The ability to radially visualize target tissue before, during, and/or after an ablation procedure in three dimensions allows a user to accurately place the ablation device within the target tissue and, further, to monitor ablation progress.

[0021] An ablation device (e.g., a microwave ablation device) in accordance with the present disclosure is referred to in the figures as reference numeral 10. While a microwave ablation device is described herein, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may also be used in connection with other types of ablation devices and other instruments, such as introducers. Such ablation devices may include an antenna and/or an electrode.

[0022] Referring initially to FIG. 1, ablation device 10 includes an antenna 12 and a handle portion 13. Antenna 12 includes a shaft or feedline 14 having an inner conductor 16 and an outer conductor 20, which defines a longitudinal axis X-X. Outer conductor 20 may be, for example, an introducing structure (e.g., needle) configured to pierce and/or penetrate tissue. A power transmission cord 21 is shown and connects ablation device 10 to a suitable electrosurgical generator 22 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). Additionally, an actuation element 7 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Actuation element 7 is operably coupled to inner conductor 16 and movable along a track 9 disposed at least partially along the length of handle portion 13 to move inner conductor 16 relative to outer conductor 20. More specifically, distal actuation of actuation element 7 along track 9 deploys or extends inner conductor 16 from outer conductor 20 and proximal actuation of actuation element 7 along track 9 retracts inner conductor 16 within outer conductor 20.

[0023] As seen in FIG. 2A, inner conductor 16 includes a distal tip 17 and is extendable from outer conductor 20. Several types of inner conductors 16 may be used in connection with the disclosed ablation device 10, including an inner conductor configured to deploy substantially in-line with outer conductor 20 (e.g., FIG. 2A) and an inner conductor configured to deploy in a curved orientation (e.g., FIG. 2B) along a curvilinear path to define an ablation region 29. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B, a proximal end of feedline 14 includes a coupler 18 that electrically couples antenna 12 to generator 22 via power transmission cord 21.

[0024] In some embodiments, distal tip 17 allows for insertion of antenna 12 into tissue with minimal resistance. In those cases where the antenna 12 is inserted into a pre-existing opening, distal tip 17 may be rounded or flat.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2C, feedline 14 may be in the form of a coaxial cable. Portions of feedline 14 may be formed of outer conductor 20 surrounding inner conductor 16. Each of inner conductor 16 and/or outer conductor 20 may be made of a suitable conductive metal that may be semi-rigid or flexible, such as, for example, copper, gold, or other conductive metals with similar conductivity values. Alternatively, portions of each inner conductor 16 and outer conductor 20 may also be made from stainless steel that may additionally be plated with other materials, e.g., other conductive materials, to improve conductivity or decrease energy loss.

[0026] With continued reference to FIG. 2C, feedline 14 of antenna 12 is shown including a dielectric material 28 surrounding at least a portion of a length of inner conductor 16 and outer conductor 20 surrounding at least a portion of a length of dielectric material 28 and/or inner conductor 16. That is, dielectric material 28 is interposed between inner conductor 16 and outer conductor 20, to provide insulation therebetween and is comprised of any suitable dielectric material.

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, antenna 12 may be embodied having a straight probe configuration of radiating portion 12, as shown in FIG. 3A, or a loop probe configuration of radiating portion 12, as shown in FIG. 3B. In either scenario, radiating portion 12 includes a lumen 26 defined coaxially therethrough and at least partially along the length thereof. Disposed within lumen 26 is an imaging device 30 adapted to image a desired ablation area. An electrical lead 31 electrically connects imaging device 30 to a processing unit 24 configured to process data generated by imaging device 30 for representation on a display (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2B). Although not shown entirely in the accompanying figures, lead 31 is connected to processing unit 24 and extends therefrom through handle assembly 13 and lumen 26 to connect to imaging device 30. Processing unit 24 may include a processor operably coupled with a memory (not shown) that stores suitable image processing software executable as programmable instructions by the processor to cause processing unit 24 to generate an image based on imaging data received from imaging device 30. Processing unit 24 may be a stand-alone device or may be incorporated within generator 22. Imaging device 30 may be, for example, an ultrasound transducer adapted to generate and receive sound waves to generate imaging data corresponding to the tissue area surrounding radiating portion 12. In other embodiments, imaging device 30 may be, for example, a CAT scan device, a PET scan device, an X-ray device, an MRI device, or other tomographic or X-ray device utilized to generate imaging data corresponding to the desired ablation area.

[0028] Imaging device 30 may be fixedly mounted within lumen 26 (e.g., via adhesive, fastener, etc.) or may be slidably disposed within lumen 26 such that imaging device 30 may be moved proximally and distally within lumen 26 and/or rotated about longitudinal axis X-X of radiating portion 12 to facilitate 360 degree and/or radial imaging of surrounding tissue along the entire length of inner conductor 16. This configuration of imaging device 30 makes three-dimensional imaging of the desired tissue site possible. With this purpose in mind, ablation device 10 may also by rotated 360 degrees by the user to achieve three-dimensional imaging of the desired tissue site.

[0029] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, imaging device 30 may be used in conjunction with an introducer 50 to facilitate placement of radiating portion 12 relative to an ablation area or a tumor “T”. Introducer 50 includes a shaft 52 extending from a proximal hub 54 to a distal end 58, and a lumen 56 disposed coaxially through shaft 52 from proximal hub 54 distally toward distal end 58 through at least a portion of the length of shaft 52. Distal end 58 may be tapered to allow for insertion of introducer 50 into tissue with minimal resistance. Shaft 52 is inserted into tissue of a patient “P” until distal portion 58 of shaft 52 is positioned adjacent to or within an ablation area of tissue, e.g., tumor “T”, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Imaging device 30 is utilized to image the area surrounding distal portion 58 of shaft 52 to ensure that introducer 50 is properly placed relative to the ablation area. More specifically, imaging data relating to the ablation area is received and processed by processing unit 24 for viewing by the surgeon. Based on the generated imaging data, the user may maneuver or re-position the introducer 50 within the patient “P”, if necessary, to ensure accurate position of distal portion 58 of shaft 52 relative to tumor “T” before ablation thereof. As illustrated by rotational arrow “A” of FIG. 4A, introducer 50 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of shaft 52 such that imaging device 30 may be rotated 360 degrees to completely image the ablation area.

[0030] Once introducer 50 is desirably positioned, ablation device 10 may then be inserted within lumen 56 while maintaining the position and orientation of shaft 52 within patient “P”. Ablation device 10 is advanced distally within lumen 56 such that radiating portion 12 of device 10 is adjacent to or within tumor “T”. The length of radiating portion 12 may be configured to fit within shaft 52 such that a proximal end of handle portion 13 and proximal hub 54 contact one another in a lock-fit manner (not explicitly shown). During and/or after an ablation procedure, the ablation area may be imaged to enable the user to monitor the progress and/or completeness of the ablation.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, imaging device 30 is shown without electrical lead 31 to illustrate that imaging device 30 may be configured to communicate imaging data to processing unit 24 wirelessly from within patient “P”. As such, an electrical lead (e.g., lead 31) connecting imaging device 30 to processing unit 24 may not be necessary to effect proper and intended implementation of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] In use, energy (e.g., microwave energy) generated by generator 22 in close proximity to imaging device 30 may cause interference with image data generated by imaging device 30 during an imaging procedure. In this scenario, imaging device 30 and generator 22 may be configured, in certain embodiments, to automatically operate in mutual exclusion relative to one another. More specifically, generator 22 continuously receives and processes an imaging signal generated by imaging device 30 (e.g., wirelessly) and/or processing unit 24 that continuously indicates in real-time whether or not an imaging procedure is currently being performed by imaging device 30. Based on the generated signal, generator 22 terminates energy output during an imaging procedure and continues energy output while no imaging procedure is being performed by the imaging device 30. In this manner, imaging procedures and electrosurgical procedures (e.g., microwave ablation) may be performed in close proximity and essentially during the same procedure or operation without adverse effects (e.g., image distortion) to the imaging process caused by interference from the output of generator 22.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that imaging device 30 and/or processing unit 24 include suitable circuitry (e.g., processor, memory, aid converter, etc.) configured to generate the imaging signal as output and, further, that generator 22 includes suitable circuitry configured to receive and process the imaging signal as input. In some embodiments, processing unit 24 and/or ablation device 10 may include buttons, switches, actuators, or the like, configured to activate or deactivate imaging device 30 and/or to generate a signal to generator 22 indicating the activation, suspension, and/or termination of an imaging procedure.

[0034] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. For example, it should be understood that any of the above disclosed embodiments may be configured such that imaging device 50 generates a logic low to indicate an imaging procedure is currently being performed and, vice-versa, a logic high may indicate that no imaging procedure is currently being performed. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An ablation device, comprising:

an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient, wherein the radiating portion includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor and configured for selective deployment from the outer conductor into tissue; and

an imaging device coupled to the radiating portion and configured to generate imaging data corresponding to the tissue.

2. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound transducers, CAT scan devices, MRI devices, and PET scan devices.

3. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is movable relative to the radiating portion to generate three-dimensional image data of tissue surrounding the radiating portion.

4. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein a lumen is defined coaxially through at least a portion of the radiating portion, the imaging device disposed within the lumen.

5. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is configured to communicate the imaging data to a processing unit adapted to generate a display based on the imaging data.

6. An ablation device according to claim 5, wherein the imaging device is configured to communicate the imaging data to the processing unit wirelessly.

7. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna assembly includes a straight probe configuration.

8. An ablation device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna assembly includes a loop probe configuration configured to deploy in a curved orientation along a curvilinear path to define an ablation area.

9. A microwave ablation system, comprising:

an antenna assembly configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient, the antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient, wherein the radiating portion includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor and configured for selective deployment from the outer conductor into tissue;

an introducer having a distal end configured to penetrate tissue and having a lumen disposed coaxially therein at least partially along the length thereof and configured to receive the antenna assembly therein; and

an imaging device disposed on the introducer and configured to provide imaging data to a processing unit corresponding to tissue proximate the introducer.

10. A microwave ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the imaging device is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound transducers, CAT scan devices, MRI devices, and PET scan devices.

11. A microwave ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the introducer is placed relative to the tissue based on the imaging data.

12. A microwave ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the introducer is rotatable 360° about a longitudinal axis thereof to facilitate radial imaging of tissue proximate the introducer.

13. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

providing an ablation device having an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient, wherein the radiating portion includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor and configured for selective deployment from the outer conductor into tissue, and an imaging device coupled thereto;

positioning the ablation device proximate a desired tissue site of a patient;

imaging the desired tissue site to generate corresponding imaging data;

generating a display of the desired tissue site based on the imaging data; and

supplying energy from an energy source to the ablation device for application to the desired tissue site.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising re-positioning the ablation device proximate the desired tissue site based on the display.

15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

repeating the imaging step; and

repeating the re-positioning step based on the corresponding image data generated during the repeated imaging step.

16. A method according to claim 13, further comprising terminating the supply of energy from the energy source to the ablation device during the imaging step.

17. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

positioning an introducer proximate the desired tissue site based on the display; and

placing the ablation device within the introducer.

18. A method according to claim 13, wherein the imaging step further comprises the step of generating ultrasound sound waves to generate the corresponding imaging data.

Patent Citations (142)

Patent	Date	Inventor	Cited By
USD263020(S)	1982-02-01	Rau, III	Applicant
USD295893(S)	1988-05-01	Sharkany et al.	Applicant
USD295894(S)	1988-05-01	Sharkany et al.	Applicant
US5366490(A)	1994-11-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5385148(A)	1995-01-01	Lesh et al.	Applicant
US5409006(A)	1995-04-01	Buchholtz et al.	Applicant
US5507743(A)	1996-04-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5536240(A)	1996-07-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5536267(A)	1996-07-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5558672(A)	1996-09-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5569241(A)	1996-10-01	Edwards	Applicant
US5599294(A)	1997-02-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5599345(A)	1997-02-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5599346(A)	1997-02-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US5861002(A)	1999-01-01	Desai	Applicant
US5964755(A)	1999-10-01	Edwards	Applicant
USD424694(S)	2000-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USD425201(S)	2000-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
US6097985(A)	2000-08-01	Kasevich et al.	Applicant
US6179832(B1)	2001-01-01	Jones et al.	Applicant
US6273886(B1)	2001-08-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
USD449886(S)	2001-10-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USD457958(S)	2002-05-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD457959(S)	2002-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
US6419653(B2)	2002-07-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US6470217(B1)	2002-10-01	Fenn et al.	Applicant
US6477426(B1)	2002-11-01	Fenn et al.	Applicant
US6514249(B1)	2003-02-01	Maguire et al.	Applicant
US6569159(B1)	2003-05-01	Edwards et al.	Applicant
US6605085(B1)	2003-08-01	Edwards	Applicant
US6682526(B1)	2004-01-01	Jones et al.	Applicant
US6690976(B2)	2004-02-01	Fenn et al.	Applicant
US6725095(B2)	2004-04-01	Fenn et al.	Applicant
USD496997(S)	2004-10-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD499181(S)	2004-11-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD525361(S)	2006-07-01	Hushka	Applicant
USD531311(S)	2006-10-01	Guerra et al.	Applicant
USD533942(S)	2006-12-01	Kerr et al.	Applicant
USD535027(S)	2007-01-01	James et al.	Applicant
US7197363(B2)	2007-03-01	Prakash et al.	Examiner
USD541418(S)	2007-04-01	Schechter et al.	Applicant
USD541938(S)	2007-05-01	Kerr et al	Applicant
US7326201(B2)	2008-02-01	Fjield et al.	Applicant
USD564662(S)	2008-03-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
US7822460(B2)	2010-10-01	Halperin et al.	Examiner
US2004/0147917(A1)	2004-07-01	Mueller	Applicant
US2006/0106375(A1)	2006-05-01	Werneth et al.	Applicant
US2006/0241576(A1)	2006-10-01	Diederich et al.	Applicant
US2007/0198006(A1)	2007-08-01	Prakash et al.	Examiner
US2007/0255276(A1)	2007-11-01	Sliwa, Jr. et al.	Applicant
US2007/0265609(A1)	2007-11-01	Thapliyal et al.	Applicant
US2007/0265610(A1)	2007-11-01	Thapliyal et al.	Applicant
US2007/0293854(A1)	2007-12-01	Pless et al.	Applicant
US2007/0293855(A1)	2007-12-01	Sliwa, Jr. et al.	Applicant
US2008/0120140(A1)	2008-05-01	Sirohey et al.	Examiner
US2008/0177138(A1)	2008-07-01	Courtney et al.	Examiner
US2008/0243162(A1)	2008-10-01	Shibata	Applicant
US2008/0287801(A1)	2008-11-01	Magnin	Applicant
US2009/0036780(A1)	2009-02-01	Abraham	Examiner
US2009/0076375(A1)	2009-03-01	Maschke	Applicant
US2009/0088648(A1)	2009-04-01	Jaffe	Applicant
US2009/0299360(A1)	2009-12-01	Ormsby	Examiner
DE390937	1924-03-01		Applicant
DE1099658	1961-02-01		Applicant
DE1139927	1962-11-01		Applicant
DE1149832	1963-06-01		Applicant
DE1439302	1969-01-01		Applicant
DE2439587	1975-02-01		Applicant
DE2455174	1975-05-01		Applicant
DE2407559	1975-08-01		Applicant
DE2415263	1975-10-01		Applicant
DE2429021	1976-01-01		Applicant
DE2460481	1976-06-01		Applicant
DE2602517	1976-07-01		Applicant
DE2504280	1976-08-01		Applicant
DE2627679	1977-01-01		Applicant
DE2540968	1977-03-01		Applicant
DE2820908	1978-11-01		Applicant
DE2803275	1979-08-01		Applicant
DE2823291	1979-11-01		Applicant
DE2946728	1981-05-01		Applicant
DE3143421	1982-05-01		Applicant
DE3045996	1982-07-01		Applicant
DE3120102	1982-12-01		Applicant
DE3510586	1986-10-01		Applicant
DE3604823	1987-08-01		Applicant
DE8712328	1988-03-01		Applicant
DE3711511	1988-06-01		Applicant
DE3904558	1990-08-01		Applicant
DE3942998	1991-07-01		Applicant
DE4238263	1993-05-01		Applicant
DE4303882	1994-08-01		Applicant
DE4339049	1995-05-01		Applicant
DE29616210	1997-01-01		Applicant
DE19608716	1997-04-01		Applicant
DE19751106	1998-05-01		Applicant
DE19717411	1998-11-01		Applicant
DE19751108	1999-05-01		Applicant
DE19801173	1999-07-01		Applicant
DE19848540	2000-05-01		Applicant
DE10224154	2003-12-01		Applicant
DE10328514	2005-03-01		Applicant
DE102004022206	2005-12-01		Applicant
DE202005015147	2006-03-01		Applicant
EP246350	1987-11-01		Applicant
EP521264	1993-01-01		Applicant
EP556705	1993-08-01		Applicant
EP558429	1993-09-01		Applicant
EP836868	1998-04-01		Applicant
EP882955	1998-12-01		Applicant
EP893101	1999-01-01		Applicant
EP1159926	2001-05-01		Applicant
FR179607	1906-11-01		Applicant
FR1275415	1960-09-01		Applicant
FR1347865	1963-11-01		Applicant
FR2276027	1974-06-01		Applicant
FR2235669	1975-01-01		Applicant
FR2313708	1976-12-01		Applicant
FR2502935	1982-10-01		Applicant
FR2517953	1983-06-01		Applicant
FR2573301	1984-11-01		Applicant
FR2862813	2005-05-01		Applicant
FR2864439	2005-07-01		Applicant
JP5-5106	1993-01-01		Applicant
JP5-40112	1993-02-01		Applicant
JP6343644	1994-12-01		Applicant
JP7265328	1995-10-01		Applicant
JP8056955	1996-03-01		Applicant
JP8252263	1996-10-01		Applicant
JP9010223	1997-01-01		Applicant
JP11244298	1999-09-01		Applicant
JP2000342599	2000-12-01		Applicant
JP2000350732	2000-12-01		Applicant
JP2001008944	2001-01-01		Applicant
JP2001029356	2001-02-01		Applicant
JP2001128990	2001-05-01		Applicant
JP2008142467	2008-06-01		Applicant
SU166452	1964-11-01		Applicant
SU401367	1974-11-01		Applicant
SU727201	1980-04-01		Applicant
WO164121	2001-09-01		Applicant
WO2008144341	2008-11-01		Applicant

Non-Patent Literature (281)

International Search Report EP11000669 dated Jun. 30, 2011.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 08/483,742, filed Jun. 7, 1995.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 08/136,098, filed Oct. 14, 1993.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/199,935, filed Aug. 28, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/203,474, filed Sep. 3, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/236,686, filed Sep. 24, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/244,850, filed Oct. 3, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/250,110, filed Oct. 13, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/250,171, filed Oct. 13, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/251,857, filed Oct. 15, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/253,457, filed Oct. 17, 2008.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/389,906, filed Feb. 20, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/389,915, filed Feb. 20, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/401,268, filed Mar. 10, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/416,583, filed Apr. 1, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/419,395, filed Apr. 7, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/423,609, filed Apr. 14, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/436,237, filed May 6, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/436,239, filed May 6, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/436,231, filed May 6, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/472,831, filed May 27, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/475,082, filed May 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/476,960, filed Jun. 2, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/487,917, filed Jun. 19, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/493,302, filed Jun. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/504,738, filed Jul. 17, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/535,851, filed Aug. 5, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/535,856, filed Aug. 5, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/536,616, filed Aug. 6, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/542,348, filed Aug. 17, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/542,785, filed Aug. 18, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/547,155, filed Aug. 25, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/548,644, filed Aug. 27, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/555,576, filed Sep. 8, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/556,010, filed Sep. 9, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/561,096, filed Sep. 16, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/562,575, filed Sep. 18, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/562,842, filed Sep. 18, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/566,299, filed Sep. 24, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,067, filed Sep. 28, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,524, filed Sep. 28, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,551, filed Sep. 28, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,777, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,838, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,883, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/568,972, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/569,171, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/569,685, filed Sep. 29, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/582,857, filed Oct. 21, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/606,769, filed Oct. 27, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/607,221, filed Oct. 28, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/607,268, filed Oct. 28, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/619,462, filed Nov. 16, 2009.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/620,289, filed Nov. 17, 2009.Applicant
Alexander et al., “Magnetic Resonance Image-Directed Stereotactic Neurosurgery: Use of Image Fusion with Computerized Tomography to Enhance Spatial Accuracy” Journal Neurosurgery, 83 (1995), pp. 271-276.Applicant
Anderson et al., “A Numerical Study of Rapid Heating for High Temperature Radio Frequency Hyperthermia” International Journal of Bio-Medical Computing, 35 (1994), pp. 297-307.Applicant
Anonymous. (1999) Auto Suture MIBB Site Marker: Single Use Clip Applier, United States Surgical (Product instructions), 2 pages.Applicant
Anonymous. (2001) Disposable Chiba Biopsy Needles and Trays, Biopsy and Special Purpose Needles Cook Diagnostic and Interventional Products Catalog (products list), 4 pages.Applicant
Anonymous. (1987) Homer Mammalok™ Breast Lesion Needle/Wire Localizer, Namic® Angiographic Systems Division, Glens Falls, New York, (Hospital products price list), 4 pages.Applicant
Anonymous. (1999) MIBB Site Marker, United States Surgical (Sales brochure), 4 pages.Applicant
Anonymous. Blunt Tubes with Finished Ends. Pointed Cannula, Popper & Sons Biomedical Instrument Division, (Products Price List), one page, Jul. 19, 2000.Applicant
Anonymous. Ground Cannulae, ISPG, New Milford, CT, (Advertisement) one page, Jul. 19, 2000.Applicant
B. Levy M.D. et al., “Randomized Trial of Suture Versus Electrosurgical Bipolar Vessel Sealing in Vaginal Hysterectomy” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 102, No. 1, Jul. 2003.Applicant
B. Levy M.D. et al., “Update on Hysterectomy New Technologies and Techniques” OBG Management, Feb. 2003.Applicant
B. Levy M.D., “Use of a New Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” FIGO 2000, Washington, D.C.Applicant
B. F. Mullan et al., (May 1999) “Lung Nodules: Improved Wire for CT-Guided Localization,” Radiology 211:561-565.Applicant
B. T. Heniford M.D. et al., “Initial Research and Clinical Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Oct. 1999.Applicant
Bergdahl et al., “Studies on Coagulation and the Development of an Automatic Computerized Bipolar Coagulator” Journal of Neurosurgery 75:1 (Jul. 1991), pp. 148-151.Applicant
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 47, No. 5, Aug. 2002, p. 41.Applicant
C. F. Gottlieb et al., “Interstitial Microwave Hyperthermia Applicators having Submillimetre Diameters”, Int. J. Hyperthermia, vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 707-714, 1990.Applicant
C. H. Durney et al., “Antennas for Medical Applications”, Antenna Handbook: Theory Application and Design, p. 24-40, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988 New York, V.T. Lo, S.W. Lee.Applicant
Carbonell et al., “Comparison of the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic Sealer and the Valleylab LigaSure™ Device in the Hemostasis of Small, Medium, and Large-Sized Arteries” Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 2003.Applicant
Carus et al., “Initial Experience With the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Abdominal Surgery” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2002.Applicant
Chicharo et al., “A Sliding Goertzel Algorithm” Aug. 1996 DOS pp. 283-297 Signal Processing, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. Amsterdam, NL, vol. 52, No. 3.Applicant
Chou, C.K., (1995) “Radiofrequency Hyperthermia in Cancer Therapy,” Chapter 941n Biologic Effects of Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields, CRC Press, Inc., pp. 1424-1428.Applicant
Chung et al., “Clinical Experience of Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure™” Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, vol. 46, No. 1, Jan. 2003.Applicant
Cosman et al., “Methods of Making Nervous System Lesions” In William RH, Rengachary SS (eds): Neurosurgery, New York: McGraw Hill, vol. 111, (1984), pp. 2490-2499.Applicant
Cosman et al., “Radiofrequency Lesion Generation and its Effect on Tissue Impedence”, Applied Neurophysiology, 51:230-242, 1988.Applicant
Cosman et al., “Theoretical Aspects of Radiofrequency Lesions in the Dorsal Root Entry Zone” Neurosurgery 15:(1984), pp. 945-950.Applicant
Crawford et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Urologic Cancer Surger” Grand Rounds in Urology 1999, vol. 1, Issue 4, pp. 10-17.Applicant
Dulemba et al., “Use of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealer in Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan. 2004.Applicant
E. David Crawford, “Evaluation of a New Vessel Sealing Device in Urologic Cancer Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
E. David Crawford, “Use of a Novel Vessel Sealing Technology in Management of the Dorsal Veinous Complex” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
Esterline, “Light Key Projection Keyboard” 2004 Advanced Input Systems, located at: <http://www.advanced-input.com/lightkey> last visited on Feb. 10, 2005.Applicant
Esterline Product Literature, “Light Key: Visualize a Virtual Keyboard. One With No Moving Parts”, Nov. 1, 2003; 4 pages.Applicant
Geddes et al., “The Measurement of Physiologic Events by Electrical Impedence” Am. J. MI, Jan. Mar. 1964, pp. 16-27.Applicant
Goldberg et al., “Image-guided Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation: Challenges and Opportunities—Part I”, (2001) J Vasc. lnterv. Radiol, vol. 12, pp. 1021-1032.Applicant
Goldberg et al. (1995) “Saline-enhanced RF Ablation: Demonstration of Efficacy and Optimization of Parameters”, Radiology, 197(P): 140 (Abstr).Applicant
Goldberg et al., “Tissue Ablation with Radiofrequency: Effect of Probe Size, Gauge, Duration, and Temperature on Lesion Volume” Acad Radio (1995) vol. 2, No. 5, pp. 399-404.Applicant
H. Schwarzmaier et al., “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Microwave Induced Tissue Heating” Dept. of Laser Medicine & Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology; Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Dec. 8, 1994; pp. 729-731.Applicant
Heniford et al., “Initial Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Surgical Endoscopy (2001) 15:799-801.Applicant
Herman at al., “Laparoscopic Intestinal Resection With the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System: A Case Report” Innovations That Work, Feb. 2002.Applicant
Humphries Jr. et al., “Finite Element Codes to Model Electrical Heating and Non Llnear Thermal Transport in Biological Media”, Proc. ASME HTD-355, 131 (1997).Applicant
Ian D. McRury et al., The Effect of Ablation Sequence and Duration on Lesion Shape Using Rapidly Pulsed Radiofrequency Energy Through Electrodes, Feb. 2000, Springer Netherlands, vol. 4; No. 1, pp. 307-320.Applicant
Jarrett et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System for Peri-Hilar Vessels in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
Johnson et al., “Evaluation of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealing Device in Hemorrhoidectomy” Sales/Product Literature, Jan. 2004.Applicant
Johnson, “Evaluation of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Hemorrhoidectormy” American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinic La Congress Poster (2000).Applicant
Johnson, “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Bloodless Hemorrhoidectomy” Innovations That Work, Mar. 2000.Applicant
Joseph G. Andriole M.D. et al., “Biopsy Needle Characteristics Assessed in the Laboratory”, Radiology 148: 659-662, Sep. 1983.Applicant
Joseph Ortenberg, “ LigaSure™ System Used in Laparoscopic 1st and 2nd Stage Orchiopexy” Innovations That Work, Nov. 2002.Applicant
K. Ogata, Modern Control Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1970.Applicant
Kennedy et al., “High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing” Surgical Endoscopy (1998) 12: 876-878.Applicant
Kopans, D.B. et al., (Nov. 1985) “Spring Hookwire Breast Lesion Localizer: Use with Rigid-Compression. Mammographic Systems,” Radiology 157(2):537-538.Applicant
Koyle et al., “Laparoscopic Palomo Varicocele Ligation in Children and Adolescents” Pediatric Endosurgery & Innovative Techniques, vol. 6, No. 1, 2002.Applicant
LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System, The Seal of Confidence in General , Gynecologic, Urologic, and Laparaoscopic Surgery, Sales/Product Literature, Jan. 2004.Applicant
Livraghi et al., (1995) “Saline-enhanced RF Tissue Ablation in the Treatment of Liver Metastases”, Radiology, p. 140 (Abstr).Applicant
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, “Compact Directional Microwave Antenna for Localized Heating,” NASA Tech Briefs, Mar. 2008.Applicant
M. A. Astrahan, “A Localized Current Field Hyperthermia System for Use with 192-Iridium Interstitial Implants” Medical Physics. 9(3), May/Jun. 1982.Applicant
Magdy F. Iskander et al., “Design Optimization of Interstitial Antennas”, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, vol. 36, No. 2, Feb. 1989, pp. 238-246.Applicant
McGahan et al., (1995) “Percutaneous Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Electrocautery Ablation of Prostate Tissue in Dogs”, Acad Radio!, vol. 2, No. 1: pp. 61-65.Applicant
McLellan et al., “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Pelvic Surgery” Int'l Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics FIGO World Congress 2000, Washington, DC.Applicant
MDTECH product literature (Dec. 1999) “FlexStrand”: product description, 1 page.Applicant
MDTECH product literature (Mar. 2000) I'D Wire: product description, 1 page.Applicant
Medtrex Brochure “The O.R. Pro 300” 1 page, Sep. 1998.Applicant
Michael Choti, “Abdominoperineal Resection with the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System and LigaSure™ Atlas 20 cm Open Instrument” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2003.Applicant
Muller et al., “Extended Left Hemicolectomy Using the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System” Innovations That Work. LJ, Sep. 1999.Applicant
Murakami, R. et al., (1995). “Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Value of Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation,” American Journal of Radiology (AJR) 164:1159-1164.Applicant
Ni Wei et al., “A Signal Processing Method for the Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Based on a Normalized . . . ” Journal of Applied Sciences Yingyong Kexue Xuebao, Shangha CN, vol. 23, No. 2:(Mar. 2005); pp. 160-184.Applicant
Ogden, “Goertzel Alternative to the Fourier Transform” Jun. 1993 pp. 485-487 Electronics World; Reed Business Publishing, Sutton, Surrey, BG, vol. 99, No. 9, 1687.Applicant
Olsson M.D. et al., “Radical Cystectomy in Females” Current Surgical Techniques in Urology, vol. 14, Issue 3, 2001.Applicant
Organ, L W., “Electrophysiologic Principles of Radiofrequency Lesion Making” Appl. Neurophysiol, vol. 39: pp. 69-76 (1976/77).Applicant
P.R. Stauffer et al., “Interstitial Heating Technologies”, Thermoradiotheray and Thermochemotherapy (1995) vol. I, Biology, Physiology, Physics, pp. 279-320.Applicant
Palazzo et al., “Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure™ versus open haemorrhoidectomy” British Journal of Surgery 2002,89,154-157 “Innovations in Electrosurgery” Sales/Product Literature; Dec. 31, 2000.Applicant
Paul G. Horgan, “A Novel Technique for Parenchymal Division During Hepatectomy” The American Journal of Surgery, vol. 181, No. 3, Apr. 2001, pp. 236-237.Applicant
Peterson et al., “Comparison of Healing Process Following Ligation with Sutures and Bipolar Vessel Sealing” Surgical Technology International (2001).Applicant
R. Gennari et al., (Jun. 2000) “Use of Technetium-99m-Labeled Colloid Albumin for Preoperative and Intraoperative Localization of Non palpable Breast Lesions,” American College of Surgeons. 190(6):692-699.Applicant
Valleylab Brochure, “Reducing Needlestick Injuries in the Operating Room” 1 page, Mar. 2001.Applicant
Reidenbach, (1995) “First Experimental Results with Special Applicators for High-Frequency Interstitial Thermotherapy”, Society Minimally Invasive Therapy, 4(Suppl 1):40 (Abstr).Applicant
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp. Brochure, “Kleppinger Bipolar Forceps & Bipolar Generator” 3 pages, Jan. 1989.Applicant
Rothenberg et al., “Use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children” Int'l Pediatric Endosurgery Group (I PEG) 2000.Applicant
Sayfan et al., “Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy: A New Technique” Annals of Surgery, vol. 234, No. 1, Jul. 2001, pp. 21-24.Applicant
Sengupta et al., “Use of a Computer-Controlled Bipolar Diathermy System in Radical Prostatectomies and Other Open Urological Surgery” ANZ Journal of Surgery (2001) 71.9 pp. 538-540.Applicant
Sigel et al., “The Mechanism of Blood Vessel Closure by High Frequency Electrocoagulation” Surgery Gynecology & Obstetrics, Oct. 1965 pp. 823-831.Applicant
Solbiati et al., (2001) “Percutaneous Radio-frequency Ablation of Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: Long-term Results in 117 Patients”, Radiology, vol. 221, pp. 159-166.Applicant
Solbiati et al. (1995) “Percutaneous US-guided RF Tissue Ablation of Liver Metastases: Long-term Follow-up”, Radiology, pp. 195-203.Applicant
Strasberg et al., “Use of a Bipolar Vassel-Sealing Device for Parenchymal Transection During Liver Surgery” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, vol. 6, No. 4, Jul./Aug. 2002 pp. 569-574.Applicant
Stuart W. Young, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging—Basic Principles, Raven Press, New York, 1984.Applicant
Sugita et al., “Bipolar Coagulator with Automatic Thermocontrol” J. Neurosurg., vol. 41, Dec. 1944, pp. 777-779.Applicant
Sylvain Labonte et al., “Monopole Antennas for Microwave Catheter Ablation”, IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 44, No. 10, pp. 1832-1840, Oct. 1995.Applicant
T. Matsukawa et al., “Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy in Liver Tumors”, Acta Radiologica, vol. 38, pp. 410-415, 1997.Applicant
T. Seki et al., (1994) “Ultrasonically Guided Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” Cancer 74(3):817.825.Applicant
Urologix, Inc.—Medical Professionals: Targis™ Technology (Date Unknown). “Overcoming the Challenge” located at: <http://www.urologix.com!medicaUtechnology.html > last visited on Apr. 27, 2001, 3 pages.Applicant
Urrutia et al., (1988). “Retractable-Barb Needle for Breast Lesion Localization: Use in 60 Cases,” Radiology 169(3):845-847.Applicant
Valleylab Brochure, “Valleylab Electroshield Monitoring System” 2 pages, Nov. 1995.Applicant
ValleyLab Brochure, “Electosurgery: A Historical Overview”, Innovations in Electrosurgery, 1999.Applicant
Vallfors et al., “Automatically Controlled Bipolar Electrocoagulation-'COA-COMP”' Neurosurgical Review 7:2-3 (1984) pp. 187-190.Applicant
W. Scott Helton, “LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System: Revolutionary Hemostasis Product for General Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 1999.Applicant
Wald et al., “Accidental Burns”, JAMA, Aug. 16, 1971, vol. 217, No. 7, pp. 916-921.Applicant
Walt Boyles, “Instrumentation Reference Book”, 2002, Butterworth-Heinemann, pp. 262-264.Applicant
European Search Report EP 98300964.8 dated Dec. 13, 2000.Applicant
European Search Report EP 98944778 dated Nov. 7, 2000.Applicant
European Search Report EP 98958575.7 dated Oct. 29, 2002.Applicant
European Search Report EP 03721482 dated Feb. 6, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04009964 dated Jul. 28, 2004.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04013772 dated Apr. 11, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04015980 dated Nov. 3, 2004.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04015981.6 dated Oct. 25, 2004.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04027314 dated Mar. 31, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04027479 dated Mar. 17, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04027705 dated Feb. 10, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04710258 dated Oct. 15, 2004.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04752343.6 dated Jul. 31, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 04778192.7 dated Jul. 1, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05002027.0 dated May 12, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05002769.7 dated Jun. 19, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05013463.4 dated Oct. 7, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05013895 dated Oct. 21, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05014156.3 dated Jan. 4, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05016399 dated Jan. 13, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05017281 dated Nov. 24, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05019130.3 dated Oct. 27, 2005.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05019882 dated Feb. 16, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05020665.5 dated Feb. 27, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05020666.3 dated Feb. 27, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021025.1 dated Mar. 13, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021197.8 dated Feb. 20, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021777 dated Feb. 23, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021779.3 dated Feb. 2, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021780.1 dated Feb. 23, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021935 dated Jan. 27, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021936.9 dated Feb. 6, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021937.7 dated Jan. 23, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021939 dated Jan. 27, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05021944.3 dated Jan. 25, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05022350.2 dated Jan. 30, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05023017.6 dated Feb. 24, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05025423.4 dated Jan. 19, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05025424 dated Jan. 30, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 05810523 dated Jan. 29, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06000708.5 dated May 15, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06002279.5 dated Mar. 30, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06005185.1 dated May 10, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06005540 dated Sep. 24, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06006717.0 dated Aug. 11, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06006961 dated Oct. 22, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06006963 dated Jul. 25, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06008779.8 dated Jul. 13, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06009435 dated Jul. 13, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06010499.9 dated Jan. 29, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06014461.5 dated Oct. 31, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06018206.0 dated Oct. 20, 2006.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06019768 dated Jan. 17, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06020574.7 dated Oct. 2, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report Ep 06020583.8 dated Feb. 7, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06020584.6 dated Feb. 1, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06020756.0 dated Feb. 16, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06022028.2 dated Feb. 13, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06023756.7 dated Feb. 21, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06024122.1 dated Apr. 16, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06024123.9 dated Mar. 6, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 06025700.3 dated Apr. 12, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07000885.9 dated May 15, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001480.8 dated Apr. 19, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001481.6 dated May 2, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001485.7 dated May 23, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001488.1 dated Jun. 5, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001489.9 dated Dec. 20, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001491 dated Jun. 6, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07001527.6 dated May 18, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07007783.9 dated Aug. 14, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07008207.8 dated Sep. 13, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07009026.1 dated Oct. 8, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07009028 dated Jul. 16, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07009029.5 dated Jul. 20, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07009321.6 dated Aug. 28, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07009322.4 dated Jan. 14, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07010672.9 dated Oct. 16, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07010673.7 dated Oct. 5, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07013779.9 dated Oct. 26, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07015191.5 dated Jan. 23, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07015601.3 dated Jan. 4, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07015602.1 dated Dec. 20, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07018375.1 dated Jan. 8, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07018821 dated Jan. 14, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07019173.9 dated Feb. 12, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07019174.7 dated Jan. 29, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07019178.8 dated Feb. 12, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07020283.3 dated Feb. 5, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 07253835.8 dated Dec. 20, 2007.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08001019 dated Sep. 23, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08004975 dated Jul. 24, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08006731.7 dated Jul. 29, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08006733 dated Jul. 7, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08006734.1 dated Aug. 18, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08006735.8 dated Jan. 8, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08011282 dated Aug. 14, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08011705 dated Aug. 20, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08011705.4 extended dated Nov. 4, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08012829.1 dated Oct. 29, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08015842 dated Dec. 5, 2008.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08019920.1 dated Mar. 27, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 08169973.8 dated Apr. 6, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09010873.9 extended dated Nov. 13, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09010877.0 extended dated Dec. 3, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09156861.8 dated Aug. 4, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09161502.1 dated Sep. 2, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09161502.1 extended dated Oct. 30, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09166708 dated Oct. 15, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09169376.2 extended dated Dec. 16, 2009.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09172838.6 extended dated Jan. 20, 2010.Applicant
European Search Report EP 09173268.5 extended dated Jan. 27, 2010.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US98/18640 dated Jan. 29, 1998.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US98/23950 dated Jan. 14, 1998.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US99/24869 dated Feb. 11, 2000.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US01/11218 dated Aug. 14, 2001.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US01/11224 dated Nov. 13, 2001.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US01/11340 dated Aug. 16, 2001.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US01/11420 dated Oct. 16, 2001.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US02/01890 dated Jul. 25, 2002.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US02/11100 dated Jul. 16, 2002.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US03/09483 dated Aug. 13, 2003.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US03/22900 dated Dec. 2, 2003.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US03/37110 dated Jul. 25, 2005.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US03/37111 dated Jul. 28, 2004.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US03/37310 dated Aug. 13, 2004.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US04/04685 dated Aug. 27, 2004.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US04/13273 dated Dec. 15, 2004.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US04/15311 dated Jan. 12, 2004.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US05/36168 dated Aug. 28, 2006.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US08/052460 dated Apr. 24, 2008.Applicant
International Search Report PCT/US09/31658 dated Mar. 11, 2009.Applicant

Abstract