Medical treatment apparatus and control method of medical treatment device

[0001] This is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2010/050840, filed Jan. 22, 2010, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) in Japanese.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a medical treatment device, a medical treatment system, and a medical treatment method to cure/treat body tissues.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] It is generally known that body tissues can be joined by (1) bringing body tissues to be joined into contact, (2) denaturing proteins of target tissues, and (3) removing fluid present between target tissues. This is bond using a so-called hydrogen bond, which is a linkage using polarity of a polar group of amino acids constituting proteins. Such a description can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,901.

[0006] Note that denaturing proteins denotes inducing a conformational change, which is one of features of proteins, that is, dissociating the linkage of polar groups linked with certain regularity to form the conformational structure of proteins. It becomes possible to promote a new linkage with a polar group present in adjacent proteins by using the polar group freed by dissociating the linkage of polar groups and so a linkage of proteins and accordingly, conjugation of body tissues can be induced.

[0007] To induce the phenomenon, various forms of energy such as high frequencies, heat, ultrasonic, and laser light are used by medical treatment devices. By using such forms of energy, the temperature of joining target tissues is raised to denature proteins and to remove fluid (H₂O) present between target tissues simultaneously. Conjugation of tissues is thereby achieved. Energy devices currently used as blood vessel sealing devices use this phenomenon.

[0008] An effect brought about by removing fluid (H₂O) will be described. It is generally known that a water molecule H₂O has a strong polarity. Due to the strong polarity, the water molecule is known to be easily linked to a polar group having a polarity. The linkage is also established between water molecules H₂O, thereby inducing a phenomenon specific to water molecules H₂O. For example, while the heat of vaporization of helium is 0.0845 kJ/mol, the heat of vaporization of the water molecule H₂O is a high value of 40.8 kJ/mol (9.74666 kcal/mol). It is a known fact that such a high value is a result of the hydrogen bonding acting between water molecules H₂O. As described above, the water molecule H₂O is easily linked to a molecule having a polar group due to the strong polarity. That is, the water molecule H₂O is also easily linked to proteins having a polar group. This fact makes conjugation of tissues difficult in the presence of water molecules H₂O.

[0009] The reason that current treatment devices require energy for conjugation of tissues is none other than removal of water molecules H₂O. Removing water molecules H₂O present between tissues to be joined in conjugation of tissues can be said to be a condition for achieving stable and tight conjugation.

[0010] On the other hand, it is self-evident that a large quantity of fluid is present in a living body. In addition to fluid present in each tissue, a large quantity of fluid is also present outside tissues or outside organs such as various digestive juices, lubricants, and physiological saline given for treatment. Depending on the fluid, the linkage of proteins is dissociated and the strength of conjugation between body tissues is weakened over time when viewed macroscopically.

[0011] A medical treatment device to treat body tissues for conjugation according to the present invention, includes at least a pair of holding members configured to hold the body tissues, an energy output portion provided in at least one of the holding members and connected to an energy source to form a joined portion by supplying energy to the body tissues held by the pair of holding members and joining the body tissues, and a conjugation coating portion to a region from a neighborhood of a joined portion to coat joined surfaces with a substance capable of preventing fluid from invading during or after the body tissues being joined by adding the energy to the body tissues.

[0012] Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

[0077] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to drawings.

[0078] [First Embodiment]

[0079] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0080] For example, a linear-type surgical treatment device 12 for treatment through the abdominal wall is taken as an example of the energy treatment device (medical treatment device).

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a medical treatment system 10 includes the energy treatment device 12, an energy source (control section) 14, a foot switch (or a hand switch) 16, and a fluid source 18.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 1, the energy treatment device 12 includes a handle 22, a shaft 24, and a treatment portion (holding portion) 26 which is able to be opened and closed. The handle 22 is connected to the energy source 14 via a cable 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the foot switch 16 is connected to the energy source 14.

[0083] The foot switch 16 includes a pedal (not shown). A series of operations such as ON/OFF of the supply of energy (high-frequency energy in the present embodiment) from the energy source 14 to the surgical treatment device 12 and further, whether to make a fluid (conjugation adjunct) flow described later can be switched by the pedal of the foot switch 16 being operated (pressed/released) by an operator. While the pedal is pressed, high-frequency energy is output based on an appropriately set state (state in which the output quantity of energy, timing of energy output and the like are controlled). When pedal pressing is released, the output of high-frequency energy is forced to stop. In addition, a fluid of a predetermined flow rate is made to flow while the pedal is pressed and the flow of the fluid stops when pedal pressing is released.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 22 is formed in a shape that makes it easier for the operator to grip and is formed, for example, in a substantially L shape. The shaft 24 is disposed at one end of the handle 22. The cable 28 described above is extended from a proximal end of the handle 22 which is coaxial with the shaft 24. Electrical connection lines 28a, 28b of high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 described later are inserted into the cable 28.

[0085] On the other hand, the other end side of the handle 22 is a gripper extending in a direction away from an axial direction of the shaft 24 and gripped by the operator. The handle 22 includes a treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 being arranged side by side. The treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 is coupled to the proximal end of a sheath 44 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) described later of the shaft 24 in a substantially center portion of the handle 22. If the treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 is moved closer to or away from the other end of the handle 22, the sheath 44 moves along the axial direction thereof.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the shaft 24 includes a pipe 42 and the sheath 44 slidably disposed on the outer side of the pipe 42. The base end of the pipe 42 is fixed to the handle 22 (see FIG. 1). The sheath 44 is slidable along the axial direction of the pipe 42.

[0087] A recess 46 is formed on the outer side of the pipe 42 along the axial direction thereof. An electrode connection line 28a connected to the high-frequency electrode (energy output portion) 92 described later is disposed in the recess 46. An electrode connection line 28b connected to the high-frequency electrode (energy output portion) 94 described later is inserted into the pipe 42.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment portion 26 is disposed at the tip of the shaft 24. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the treatment portion 26 includes a pair of holding members 52, 54, that is, the first holding member (first jaw) 52 and the second holding member (second jaw) 54.

[0089] The first and second holding members 52, 54 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B each have suitably insulating properties as a whole. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the first holding member 52 integrally includes a first holding member main body (hereinafter, referred to mainly as a main body) 62 and a base 64 provided in the proximal end of the main body 62. The main body 62 is a portion which holds body tissues L1, L2 shown in FIG. 6B in collaboration with a main body 72 described later of the second holding member 54 and has a holding surface (edge) 62a. The base 64 is a portion coupled to the tip of the shaft 24. The main body 62 and the base 64 of the first holding member 52 are disposed coaxially. Then, a step 66 is formed between the main body 62 and the base 64.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the second holding member 54 integrally includes a second holding member body (hereinafter, referred to mainly as a main body) 72 and a base 74 provided in the proximal end of the main body 72. The main body 72 is a portion that holds the body tissues L1, L2 in collaboration with the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 and has a holding surface (edge) 72a. The base 74 is a portion coupled to the tip of the shaft 24. The main body 72 and the base 74 of the second holding member 54 are disposed coaxially. Then, a step 76 is formed between the main body 72 and the base 74.

[0091] In the present embodiment and embodiments described below, the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 and the main body 72 of the second holding member 54 have the same shape. Though the base 74 of the second holding member 54 is different from the base 64 of the first holding member 52 in that the base 74 of the second holding member 54 is formed, as will be described later, so as to be pivotally supported by the pipe 42 of the shaft 24, the base 64 of the first holding member 52 and the base 74 of the second holding member 54 have the same structure in other respects and thus, the description thereof is omitted when appropriate.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, exterior surfaces of the main bodies 62 and 72 of the first and second holding members 52 and 54 are formed as a smooth curved surface. Though not shown, the exterior surfaces of the bases 64 and 74 of the first and second holding members 52 and 54 are also formed as a smooth curved surface. In a state in which the second holding member 54 is closed with respect to the first holding member 52, the transverse section of the treatment portion 26 is formed in a substantially circular shape or a substantially elliptic shape along with the transverse sections of the main bodies 62, 72 and the bases 64, 74. In a state in which the second holding member 54 is closed with respect to the first holding member 52, the holding surfaces (edges) 62a, 72a of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 are mutually opposite to each other and in contact. Incidentally, in this state, the outside diameter of the base end of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 is formed larger than the outside diameter of the bases 64, 74. Then, the steps 66, 76 described above are formed between the main bodies 62, 72 and the bases 64, 74, respectively.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first holding member 52 has the base 64 thereof fixed to the tip portion of the pipe 42 of the shaft 24. On the other hand, the second holding member 54 has the base 74 thereof rotatably supported on the tip portion of the pipe 42 of the shaft 24 by a support pin 82 disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 24. The second holding member 54 can be opened 22- and closed with respect to the first holding member 52 by being rotated around the axis of the support pin 82. The second holding member 54 is energized by, for example, an elastic member 84 such as a plate spring so as to be opened with respect to the first holding member 52.

[0094] The first and second holding members 52, 54 are formed in a closed state of the second holding member 54 with respect to the first holding member 52 in such a way that an outer circumferential surface in a substantially circular shape or a substantially elliptic shape together with the bases 64, 74 thereof is substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion of the pipe 42 or slightly larger. Thus, the sheath 44 can be slid with respect to the pipe 42 so as to cover the bases 64, 74 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 with the tip of the sheath 44.

[0095] In this state, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second holding member 54 is closed with respect to the first holding member 52 against an energizing force of the elastic member 84. On the other hand, if the sheath 44 is slid to the proximal end side of the pipe 42 from the state in which the bases 64, 74 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 are covered with the tip of the sheath 44, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second holding member 54 is opened with respect to the first holding member 52 due to an energizing force of the elastic member 84.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 has channels 62b formed in a concave shape in two rows that are preferably in parallel respectively. That is, the channels 62b of the main body 62 are open to the outside. The tip ends of the channels 62b are closed.

[0097] The base 64 has ducts 64a in two rows that are preferably in parallel. That is, the ducts 64a of the base 64 are closed from the outside excluding both ends. The channels 62b of the main body 62 and the ducts 64a of the base 64 are formed successively. The tip ends of a hose 18a inserted into the shaft 24 and having flexibility is connected to the proximal end of the ducts 64a of the base 64. The proximal end of the hose 18a is extended to the outside of the energy treatment device 12 through the handle 22 to be connected to the fluid source 18. Thus, a fluid described later such as a liquid reserved in the fluid source 18 can be led to the ducts 64a of the base 64 of the first holding member 52 and the channels 62b of the main body 62 through the hose 18a. A transparent or translucent flexible tube is preferably used as the hose 18a outside the energy treatment device 12. By using such a transparent or translucent tube, the flow of a liquid can visually be recognized.

[0098] When a liquid is led from the fluid source 18 to the treatment portion 26, the hose 18a is preferably branched out into two or four in positions close to the base 64 of the first holding member 52.

[0099] When a liquid is supplied to the first holding member 52 through the hose 18a, depending on the viscosity of the liquid led from the fluid source 18 to the treatment portion 26, the supply may be assisted by using pneumatic pressure or the like.

[0100] The plate-like high-frequency electrodes (joining members) 92, 94 are disposed as an output member and an energy discharge portion inside the holding surfaces (edges) 62a, 72a of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. These high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 are electrically connected to the tip of the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b via connectors 96a, 96b. Then, these electrical connection lines 28a, 28b are connected to a high-frequency energy output portion 104 described later of the energy source 14. Thus, the body tissues L1, L2 are heated and denatured by passing power through the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 to generate Joule heat in the body tissues L1, L2.

[0101] The high-frequency electrode 92 is to cap the channels 62b in a groove shape each in two rows of the main body 62 and form each of the channels 62b as a duct. A plurality of projections (a join condition sustainment assistance portion) 202 is formed toward a second holding member 54 in a portion of the first high-frequency electrode 92 on the recess 62b of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52. The projection 202 is formed to a suitable length so as to form a hole P shown in FIG. 6B in body tissues L1, L2. The projection 202 does not necessarily need to pass through the body tissues L1, L2 and the tip end (far end with respect to the first high-frequency electrode 92) of the projection 202 is suitably positioned closer to a second high-frequency electrode 94 than contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 4D, each of the projections 202 has one or a plurality of openings 204 formed therein. Each of the projections 202 preferably has a plurality of openings 204 formed therein. The projection 202 is communicatively connected to the recess 62b and can ooze out a fluid (conjugation adjunct) such as an adhesive through the recess 62b. The projections 202 are preferably disposed, for example, at equal intervals or in such a way that the same amount of liquid is oozed out from the opening 204 of each of the projections 202 by adjusting, for example, the diameter of the opening 204.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, recesses (conjugation sustainment assistance portions) 206 are formed in the high-frequency electrode 94. Each of the recesses 206 is formed so as to accept the projection 202 projecting from the high-frequency electrode 92 disposed in the first holding member 52.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, 5B, and 5C, the surface of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is positioned lower than the edges 62a, 72a of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 and the length of the projection 202 of the first high-frequency electrode 92 is formed to such a height that the projection 202 does not come into contact with the recess 206 of the second holding member 54. That is, even when the projection 202 of the first high-frequency electrode 92 is disposed in the recess 206 of the second high-frequency electrode 94, the first high-frequency electrode 92 and the second high-frequency electrode 94 are formed so as not to come into contact with each other.

[0105] In addition to using for treatment of body tissues L1, L2 by high-frequency energy, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 can be used as sensors to measure an impedance Z (see FIG. 6A) or a phase 8 (see FIG. 8A) between the body tissues L1, L2. The high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 can transmit/receive a signal to/from a detector 106 described later of an energy source 14 through, for example, the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b. It is assumed here that the impedance Z is measured by the detector 106.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 2, the energy source 14 includes a first controller (energy control unit) 102, the high-frequency energy output portion (first high-frequency energy output unit) 104, the detector 106, a display unit 108, and a speaker 110. The high-frequency energy output portion 104, the detector 106, the display unit 108, and the speaker 110 are connected to the first controller 102 so that the high-frequency energy output portion 104, the detector 106, the display unit 108, and the speaker 110 are controlled by the first controller 102.

[0107] The high-frequency energy output portion 104 generates energy and supplies the energy to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 via the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b. Incidentally, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 also functions as an energy output portion that supplies energy to heaters 222, 232 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) that will be described in a second modification.

[0108] The detector 106 detects measurement results obtained by the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 holding the body tissues L1, L2 through the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b to calculate the impedance Z. The display unit 108 is a unit in which various settings are made such as the setting of a threshold Z1 of the impedance Z while a setting is checked through the display. The speaker 110 has a sound source (not shown) and produces a sound when a treatment is finished or a problem arises. The sound used to tell the end of treatment and the sound used to tell an occurrence of problem have different tones. The speaker 110 can also produce a distinct sound during treatments, for example, a sound to tell the end of the first step of the treatment and a sound to tell the end of the second step of the treatment.

[0109] The foot switch 16 is connected to the first controller 102 of the energy source 14 and also a second controller (flow rate control unit) 132 described later of the fluid source 18 is connected thereto. Thus, if the foot switch 16 is operated, the energy source 14 works and also the fluid source 18 works.

[0110] If the foot switch 16 is changed to ON (a pedal not shown is pressed), a treatment by the energy treatment device 12 is carried out and if the foot switch 16 is changed to OFF (the pedal is released), the treatment stops. The display unit 108 functions as a setting unit (controller) when an output quantity (the output quantity itself or what kind of treatment to adopt (treatment for the purpose of joining the body tissues L1, L2, treatment for the purpose of sealing openings of the body tissues or the like)) of the high-frequency energy output portion 104 or output timing of energy is controlled by the first controller 102. It is needless to say that the display unit 108 has a display function to display what is set.

[0111] The detector 106 can detect (calculate) the impedance Z of the body tissues L1, L2 between the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 through the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 that output high-frequency energy. That is, the detector 106 and the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 have a sensor function to measure the impedance Z of the body tissues L1, L2 between the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94.

[0112] The fluid source 18 includes a fluid reservoir 122 and a flow rate adjuster 124. The flow rate adjuster 124 includes a second controller (flow rate control unit) 132 and a flow rate adjustment mechanism 134.

[0113] The fluid reservoir 122 shown in FIG. 1 is formed from, for example, a transparent bag to store a fluid. The proximal end of the hose 18a is removably connected to the fluid reservoir 122. The second controller 132 of the flow rate adjuster 124 is connected to the first controller 102 of the energy source 14. Therefore, the second controller 132 works by being linked to the energy source 14. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 is formed from, for example, a pinch cock so as to adjust the flow rate of a fluid flowing into the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a. That is, the second controller 132 controls the flow rate of a fluid such as a liquid supplied from the fluid reservoir 122 to the first and second holding members 52, 54 via the hose 18a by operating the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134.

[0114] A substance (conjugation adjunct), for example, an adhesive to prevent fluid from invading a body tissue L_T when applied to an exterior surface Sc of the body tissue L_T treated by high-frequency energy can be stored in the fluid reservoir 122. The substance to prevent fluid from invading the body tissue L_T is preferably a bioabsorbable substance which invades body tissues when applied to the body tissues. The substance to be stored in the fluid reservoir 122 may be, in addition to liquids, for example, gel substances. That is, the substance stored in the fluid reservoir 122 may be any fluid that can be passed through the hose 18a. The substance which prevents fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T contains a compound. The compound is a substance that coats or joins the body tissue L_T by a physical action, a chemical action, or both actions. The compound preferably contains at least one of protein, glucide, polymer, and hardener. The protein suitably contains at least one of fibrin, albumin, collagen, and gelatin. The glucide suitably contains at least one of starch, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan. The polymer is suitably polyethylene glycol, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, or polycaprolactam. The hardener is suitably an acrylate derivative, aldehyde derivative, succinimide derivative, or isocyanate derivative. That is, for example, an organic adhesive, inorganic adhesive, bonding biomaterial, crosslinking agent, and monomer/polymer resins can be cited as a substance (joining adjunct) to prevent fluid from penetrating body tissues. When an adhesive is used, various types thereof such as a two-component type can be used.

[0115] Further, for example, a liquid or gel substance of adhesive stored in the fluid reservoir 122 may contain an antibiotic, growth promoter and the like.

[0116] Table 1 shows main components of eight auxiliary joining members used for experiments to join the body tissues L1, L2 described below and corresponding types of the auxiliary joining members. It is needless to say that main components and types of the auxiliary joining members are not limited to the main components and types shown in Table 1.

[0117]

TABLE 1
Main components and types of the auxiliary joining
members used for experiments to join body tissues
No.	Main component	Type
(1)	Cyanoacrylate monomer	Cyanoacrylate adhesive
(2)	Fibrinogen	Fibrin adhesive
	Thrombin
(3)	Glutaraldehyde (crosslinking agent)	Aldehyde adhesive
	Albumin (main agent)
(4)	Formaldehyde (crosslinking agent)
	Glutaraldehyde (crosslinking agent)
	Gelatin (main agent)
(5)	Organic succinimide (crosslinking	Succinimide adhesive
	agent)
	Albumin (main agent)
(6)	PEG succinimide (crosslinking agent)
	Albumin (main agent)
(7)	Polyglycolic acid	Biodegrative polymer
(8)	Polycaprolactam	Biodegrative polymer

[0118] If a liquid substance is stored in the fluid reservoir 122, the liquid substance can be led to the ducts 64a, 74a of the bases 64, 74 and the channels 62b, 72b of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 of the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a connected to the fluid reservoir 122. If a gel substance is stored in the fluid reservoir 122, the gel substance can be led to the duct 64a of the base 64 and the channel 62b of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 of the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a connected to the fluid reservoir 122 by applying, for example, pneumatic pressure or the like to the fluid reservoir 122.

[0119] FIG. 6A shows a relationship between an energy supply time t of the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 and the impedance Z between the body tissues L1, L2 when desired energy is supplied from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 and high-frequency treatment of the body tissues L1, L2 is carried out. FIG. 7 shows an example of the control flow of the surgical treatment device 12 by the high-frequency energy output portion 104.

[0120] Next, the action of the medical treatment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0121] A fluid with which the outer circumference of the body tissue L_T obtained by joining the two body tissues L1, L2 is coated after the body tissues L1, L2 are joined by treatment with high-frequency energy is put into the fluid reservoir 122 of the fluid source 18. It is assumed here that the fluid is an adhesive for the body tissue L_T. Particularly, the adhesive suitably has a quick-drying capability with which, for example, the adhesive dries quickly after being exposed to the air. The hose 18a connected to the fluid reservoir 122 is closed by the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 so that the adhesive does not normally flow from the fluid reservoir 122 toward the energy treatment device 12.

[0122] The operator operates the display unit 108 of the energy source 14 in advance to set output conditions for the medical treatment system 10 (step S11). The operator checks the output (set power Pset [W]) from the high-frequency energy output portion 104, the threshold Z1 [Ω] of the impedance Z by the detector 106, a maximum energy supply time t1 [sec] and the like through the display unit 108. If the output from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 or the threshold Z1 of the impedance Z by the detector 106 should be set to a different value, the operator sets the value as desired and checks the value through the display unit 108. The operator also sets a flow rate V1 to be passed from the fluid reservoir 122 to the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a. Further, the operator sets a longest time t-max in which the hose 18a is opened. That is, even if the flow rate V1 is not reached after the hose 18a is opened, the hose 18a is automatically closed after the time t-max passes.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 3A, the treatment portion 26 and the shaft 24 of the surgical treatment device 12 are inserted into the abdominal cavity through, for example, the abdominal wall in the state in which the second holding member 54 is closed to the first holding member 52. The treatment portion 26 of the surgical treatment device 12 is opposed to the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated (to be held).

[0124] The operator operates the treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 of the handle 22 to hold the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated by the first holding member 52 and the second holding member 54. With this operation, the sheath 44 is moved to the side of the proximal end of the shaft 24 with respect to the pipe 42. The space between the bases 64, 74 can no longer be sustained in a cylindrical shape due to the energizing force of the elastic member 84 and the second holding member 54 is opened with respect to the first holding member 52 (see FIG. 3A).

[0125] The body tissues L1, L2 to be joined (to be treated) are arranged between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. The treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 of the handle 22 is operated in this state. In this case, the sheath 44 is moved to the distal side of the shaft 24 with respect to the pipe 42. The space between the bases 64, 74 is closed by the sheath 44 against the energizing force of the elastic member 84 and to make it into a cylindrical shape. Thus, the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 formed integrally with the base 64 and the main body 72 of the second holding member 54 formed integrally with the base 74 are closed. That is, the second holding member 54 is closed with respect to the first holding member 52. In this manner, the body tissues L1, L2 to be joined are held between the first holding member 52 and the second holding member 54.

[0126] In this case, the body tissue L1 to be treated is in contact with the high-frequency electrode 92 of the first holding member 52 and the body tissue L2 to be treated is in contact with the high-frequency electrode 94 of the second holding member 54. Peripheral tissues of the body tissues L1, L2 to be joined are closely in contact with both opposite contact surfaces of the holding surface (edge) 62a of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 and the holding surface (edge) 72b of the main body 72 of the second holding member 54. Incidentally, a contact surface C1 of the body tissue L1 and a contact surface C2 of the body tissue L2 are in contact in such a way that pressure is applied to each other.

[0127] At this point, because the projection 202 is disposed in the high-frequency electrode 92 disposed in the first holding member 52, the projection 202 forms a hole P by penetrating through the body tissues L1, L2 and also is received by the recess 206 disposed in the high-frequency electrode 94 (and the main body 72 of the second holding member 54).

[0128] Thus, the operator operates the pedal of the foot switch 16 while the body tissues L1, L2 are held between the first holding member 52 and the second holding member 54. A signal is input into the first controller 102 from the foot switch 16 and the first controller 102 of the energy source 14 determines whether the switch 16 is changed to ON by pressing the pedal thereof through the operation of the operator (S12).

[0129] If the first controller 102 determines that the switch 16 is changed to ON by pressing the pedal thereof, a signal is input into the high-frequency energy output portion 104 from the first controller 102. The high-frequency energy output portion 104 generates energy and supplies the energy to the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 through the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b (S13). At this point, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 supplies the set power Pset [W] set in advance through the display unit 108, for example, power of about 20 [W] to 80 [W] to between the high-frequency electrode 92 of the first holding member 52 and the high-frequency electrode 94 of the second holding member 54.

[0130] Thus, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 passes a high-frequency current to the body tissues L1, L2 to be joined between the high-frequency electrode 92 of the first holding member 52 and the high-frequency electrode 94 of the second holding member 54. That is, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 applies high-frequency energy to the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. Thus, the body tissues L1, L2 are heated by generating Joule heat in the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. Cell membranes inside the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 are destroyed by the action of Joule heat to release substances inside the cell membrane so that the substances are equalized with components outside the cell membrane including collagen. Since a high-frequency current is being passed to the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94, further Joule heat is acted on the equalized body tissues L1, L2 to conjugate, for example, the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 or layers of tissues. Therefore, if a high-frequency current is passed to the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94, the body tissues L1, L2 are heated and so the inside of the body tissues L1, L2 is denatured (the body tissues L1, L2 are burned) while the body tissues L1, L2 are dehydrated, generating a joined portion C after the contact surfaces C1, C2 are brought into close contact. In this manner, the two body tissues L1, L2 are joined to form the body tissue L_T having the joined portion C.

[0131] At this point, the projection 202 provided in the high-frequency electrode 92 disposed in the first holding member 52 sustains a state in which the body tissues L1, L2 are penetrated through (state in which the projection 202 is disposed in the hole P). Moreover, because the projection 202 is disposed inside the body tissues L1, L2 and a current is passed through body tissues between the projection 202 and the second high-frequency electrode 94, the body tissues L1, L2 can efficiently be treated by using high-frequency energy.

[0132] With an increasing level of denaturation of the body tissues L1, L2, a fluid (for example, a liquid (blood) and/or a gas (vapor)) is released from the body tissues L1, L2. In this case, the holding surfaces 62a, 72a of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 have higher adhesiveness to the body tissues L1, L2 than the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. Thus, the holding surfaces 62a, 72a function as a barrier portion (dam) that inhibits a fluid from the body tissues L1, L2 from escaping to the outside of the first holding member 52 and the second holding member 54. That is, a thermal spread can be prevented from being generated in body tissues other than the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated and joined.

[0133] In this case, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 have a sensor function and thus transmit information (impedance Z) about between the held body tissues L1, L2 to the detector 106 through the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b. As shown in FIG. 6A, an initial value Z0 of the impedance Z when treatment is started (when the supply of high-frequency energy to between the body tissues L1, L2 is started) is, for example, about 50[Ω] to 60[Ω]. As the body tissues L1, L2 are increasingly burned by the high-frequency current flowing into the body tissues L1, L2, the impedance Z drops to Zmin (for example, about 10[Ω]) and then gradually rises.

[0134] The first controller 102 controls the detector 106 so that information about the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is calculated at equal time intervals (for example, a few milliseconds). The first controller 102 determines whether the impedance Z during high-frequency energy output operated based on a signal from the detector 106 is equal to or more than the threshold Z1 (here, as shown in FIG. 6A, about 1000 [Ω]) set (S11) in advance through the display unit 108 (S14). It is, needless to say, that the threshold Z1 of the impedance Z can appropriately be set.

[0135] For example, the threshold Z1 is preferably larger than the initial value Z0 and in a position (see FIG. 6A) where the rate of rise of the value of the impedance Z slows down. If the first controller 102 determines that the impedance Z has reached the threshold Z1 or exceeded the threshold Z1, a signal is conveyed from the first controller 102 to the high-frequency energy output portion 104. Then, the output from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 is stopped (S151).

[0136] On the other hand, if the impedance Z has not reached the threshold Z1, the output of energy is continued. If the first controller 102 determines that the impedance Z between the body tissues L1, L2 is smaller than the threshold Z1, high-frequency energy for treatment will continue to be given to the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. Then, if the impedance Z between the body tissues L1, L2 reaches the threshold Z1 or a predetermined time t passes after the start of energy supply from the high-frequency energy output portion 104, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 is caused to stop the output of energy. At this point, the body tissue L_T is joined by the joined portion C.

[0137] Then, the pedal of the foot switch 16 continues to be pressed. The body tissue L_T sustains a state in which the body tissue L_T is held by the holding members 52, 54.

[0138] The supply of energy from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is stopped by the first controller 102 (S151) and at the same time, a signal is conveyed from the first controller 102 to the second controller 132. The second controller 132 causes the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 to operate to open the hose 18a (S152). Thus, an adhesive is supplied from the fluid reservoir 122 to the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a.

[0139] The duct 64a is provided in the base 64 of the first holding member 52 and the recess 62b is provided in the main body 62 and thus, an adhesive is oozed out from the opening 204 of the projection 202. In this case, the projection 202 is disposed in the hole P by penetrating through the joined body tissue L_T and thus, a portion of the adhesive oozed out from the opening 204 is applied to the joined portion C of the body tissues L_T. A portion of the adhesive invades and spreads directly from joined surfaces of the joined portion C. The adhesive has, in addition to adhesive action, coating action. If exposed to, for example, the air, the adhesive is gradually cured over time. The adhesive here preferably has a fast-drying capability and has fluid resistance when cured.

[0140] Therefore, invasion of fluid into the joined portion C of the body tissues L_T joined by the adhesive being cured can be prevented and also a joined state can be maintained.

[0141] Adhesives have naturally different properties depending on the type of adhesive and the reason why the adhesive in the present embodiment is applied after the body tissues L1, L2 are joined is that an adhesive for body tissues can display an effective adhesive action when applied in as dry a state of the body tissues L1, L2 as possible. That is, if an adhesive is applied in a state in which a sufficient amount of fluid is not removed, it becomes more difficult to remove fluid from the body tissues L1, L2 even if energy is provided, but such a state can be prevented by applying the adhesive after the body tissues L1, L2 are joined. In addition, if an adhesive is applied in a state in which a sufficient amount of fluid is not removed, the adhesive may be mixed with fluid, but such a state can be prevented by applying the adhesive after the body tissues L1, L2 are joined.

[0142] When the adhesive of a predetermined flow rate is passed from the fluid reservoir 122 through the hose 18a (S16) or after the hose 18a is opened for a predetermined time, the second controller 132 causes the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 to operate again to close the hose 18a (S17).

[0143] When a predetermined time (for example, a few seconds) passes after the hose 18a is closed, a sound such as a buzzer from the speaker 110 is emitted to tell the completion of treatment (conjugation treatment of body tissues and treatment to prevent fluid from infiltrating into the joined contact surfaces C1, C2) (S18). Then, after making sure that the treatment has completed with the sound from the speaker 110 or the display of the display unit 108, a medical doctor or the like releases the pedal by removing his or her foot from the pedal of the foot switch 16.

[0144] The treatment continues from “Start” to “End” shown in FIG. 7 while the pedal of the foot switch 16 is kept pressed, but if the pedal is released at some point between “Start” and “End”, the first controller 102 forces the treatment to stop when pressing of the pedal is released. That is, if the supply of high-frequency energy should be stopped in midstream or the supply of adhesive should be stopped in midstream, pressing of the pedal of the foot switch 16 is released by removing a foot from the pedal before a sound such as a buzzer is emitted from the speaker 110. When pressing of the pedal is released, the first controller 102 forces to stop the output of energy from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to electrodes 92, 94 if the energy is output from the high-frequency energy output portion 104. When the hose 18a is opened, the second controller 132 forces to stop supply of a fluid by causing the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 to operate to close the hose 18a.

[0145] After checking the buzzer sound from the speaker 110, the medical doctor operates the treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 to release the body tissue L_T. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the contact surfaces C1, C2 of body tissues are joined to form the joined portion C. Moreover, the adhesive having bioabsorbability is hardened while invading from the exterior surface Sc to the joined portion C in the body tissue L_T and thus, the body tissue L_T is in a state of being coated with the adhesive. Because the adhesive has bioabsorbability, the adhesive oozed out from the openings 92a, 94a may also be applied to the side face of the body tissues L1, L2 shown in FIG. 6B.

[0146] An adhesive may be directly supplied into body tissues by an injector such as a syringe instead of using the fluid reservoir 122. As a supply method of adhesive, the flow rate adjuster 124 may control the flow rate of adhesive into body tissues by using a rotary pump or the like.

[0147] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the following effect is achieved.

[0148] Close contact of the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 can be made more reliable by treating and joining the body tissues L1, L2 while the impedance Z of the body tissues L1, L2 is measured. After the body tissues L1, L2 are treated for conjugation, fluid can be prevented from seeping through into the joined portion C of the body tissue L_T treated for conjugation by coating the outer circumference of the body tissue L_T treated for conjugation with an adhesive or the like. Therefore, a state in which the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 can closely be in contact (state in which the body tissue L_T is joined) for a long time.

[0149] Joule heat can be generated not only in the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94, but also in the body tissues L1, L2 between the projections 202 passing through the body tissues L1, L2 and the high-frequency electrode 94. Thus, it can be made easier for energy to penetrate the body tissues L1, L2 even if the body tissues L1, L2 are thick (if it is difficult for high-frequency energy to penetrate the body tissues L1, L2). Therefore, not only body tissues of the thickness that has been treatable by high-frequency energy, but also still thicker body tissues can reliably be treated by high-frequency energy.

[0150] A fluid such as an adhesive can directly be supplied into the joined body tissue L_T such as joined surfaces of the joined portion C of the body tissues L1, L2 to be joined through the opening 204 of the projection 202 provided in the high-frequency electrode 92 for invasion. Therefore, conjugation of the joined portion C can be made more reliable and also coating action of the adhesive can be exerted on the neighborhood of the joined portion C including joined surfaces.

[0151] In the present embodiment, a case when the hole P is formed in the body tissues L1, L2 by the projection 202 of the first holding member 52 when body tissues are held by the first and second holding members 52, 54 is described. In addition, the hole P does not necessarily need to be formed by the projection 202 when the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the first and second holding members 52, 54. That is, when the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the first and second holding members 52, 54, the body tissue L2 may be pressed against the recess 206 of the second holding member 54 by the projection 202 of the first holding member 52. Even in this case, the hole P is formed in the body tissues L1, L2, that is, the hole P is disposed in the projection 202 as high-frequency energy is supplied to the body tissues L1, L2 between the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94.

[0152] The projections 202 of the high-frequency electrode 92 of the first holding member 52 may be formed as a different body such as a hardening resin material having insulating properties. In this case, the projections 202 are permitted to come into contact with the high-frequency electrode 94 of the second holding member 54.

[0153] If a two-component adhesive is used as a fluid substance to coat the outer circumference of the joined body tissue L_T after the body tissues L1, L2 are joined, two types of liquids may be provided side by side in the fluid source 18. In this case, the two hoses 18a are extended from the fluid source 18 to the energy treatment device 12 side by side to supply liquids to the channels 62b, 72b of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 through the handle 22 and the shaft 24 independently. Then, two liquids are made to be mixed when oozed out from the openings 92a, 94a of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. In this manner, the adhesive can be prevented from being hardened inside the hose 18a or the first and second holding members 52, 54. When a two-component adhesive is used, it is also preferable to form two channels (not shown) in a hose 18a.

[0154] While an example in which the impedance Z (see FIG. 6A) is used as living body information detected by the detector 106 is described in the above embodiment, it is also preferable to use the amount of change of the phase (phase difference Δθ) (see FIG. 8) as living body information. A case when the phase difference Δθ is used as a first modification of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 9, the detector 106 includes a voltage detector 142, a current detector 144, and a phase detector 146. The phase detector 146 is connected to the first controller 102. The voltage detector 142 and the current detector 144 are connected to the energy treatment device 12 (high-frequency electrodes 92, 94) and also connected to the phase detector 146. This is not limited to the first embodiment and similarly applies to other embodiments described later.

[0156] If the high-frequency energy output portion 104 is caused to generate a high-frequency voltage, a high-frequency current having a predetermined frequency and peak value based on the high-frequency voltage of the high-frequency energy output portion 104 is output to the surgical treatment device 12 via the current detector 144. The voltage detector 142 detects the peak value of the high-frequency voltage through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 and outputs the detected peak value to the phase detector 146 as output voltage value information. The current detector 144 detects the peak value of the high-frequency current generated based on the high-frequency voltage through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 and outputs the detected peak value to the phase detector 146 as output current value information.

[0157] After detecting the phase of the high-frequency voltage output through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 based on output voltage value information output from the voltage detector 142, the phase detector 146 outputs the detected phase to the first controller 102 as output voltage phase information along with output voltage value information. Also after detecting the phase of the high-frequency current through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 based on output current value information output from the current detector 144, the phase detector 146 outputs the detected phase to the first controller 102 as output current phase information along with output current value information.

[0158] Based on output voltage value information, output voltage phase information, output current value information, and output current phase information output from the phase detector 146, the first controller 102 calculates the phase difference Δθ of the high-frequency voltage and high-frequency current output through the high-frequency energy output portion 104.

[0159] The first controller 102 controls the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to change the output state of the high-frequency current and high-frequency voltage to the ON state or OFF state based on an instruction signal output in accordance with an operation of the pedal of the foot switch 16 and the calculated phase difference Δθ.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 8, the phase difference Δθ of the high-frequency current or high-frequency voltage output through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 is 0° or substantially 0° in the initial stage of treatment on the body tissue L_T. Incidentally, the value of the phase difference Δθ is set to 900 or a value close thereto through the display unit 108.

[0161] As the pedal of the foot switch 16 is pressed uninterruptedly and treatment of the body tissues L1, L2 held between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 proceeds, the body tissues L1, L2 are dehydrated followed by being cauterized or coagulated. If the treatment proceeds in this manner, the phase difference Δθ of the high-frequency current or high-frequency voltage output through the high-frequency energy output portion 104 increases from the state of 0° or substantially 0°, for example, after a suitable time t1.

[0162] Then, if treatment of a desired region proceeds by the pedal of the foot switch 16 being further pressed uninterruptedly, the value of the phase difference Δθ calculated by the first controller 102 takes a fixed value near 90° shown in FIG. 8, for example, after the time t1.

[0163] In this modification, the first controller 102 is not limited to the above control exercised when detecting that the phase difference Δθ has become a fixed value near 90° and may be, for example, the above control exercised when detecting that the phase difference Δθ has become a fixed predetermined value greater than 45° and equal to or less than 90°.

[0164] Energy input into the body tissues L1, L2 may be switched by combining the change of the impedance Z and the change of the phase θ. That is, it is also preferable to appropriately set by the display unit 108 and use the change of the impedance Z and the change of the phase θ such as a value which is the earlier or the later of reaching a threshold.

[0165] Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described using FIGS. 10A and 10B. A case when high-frequency energy is used for treatment is described in the above embodiment, but in the present embodiment, a case when thermal energy by a heater is used for treatment will be described.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 10A, a plate-like heater (energy output portion) 222 is disposed on a main body 62 of a first holding member 52. The heater 222 is enclosed with a holding surface 62a of the main body 62. As shown in FIG. 10B, a plate-like heater (energy output portion) 232 is disposed on a main body 72 of a second holding member 54. The heater 232 is enclosed with a holding surface 72a of the main body 72.

[0167] In a display unit 108, various settings are made, for example, the highest temperature of heaters 222, 232, the output time of energy from a high-frequency energy output portion 104 to the heaters 222, 232, a threshold T1 of the end temperature (here, the surface temperature of the body tissues L1, L2) of treatment of body tissues and the like are set. In this state, treatment using the heaters 222, 232 is provided in the same manner as the treatment using the first and second high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. In this case, treatment proceeds while measuring the temperature of the body tissue in contact with the heaters 222, 232.

[0168] Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described using FIGS. 11A to 11C. A case when high-frequency energy or thermal energy of heating by heaters 222, 232 is used for treatment is described in the above embodiments, but in the present embodiment, a case when thermal energy by laser light is used for treatment will be described.

[0169] As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the first holding member 52 includes a heat exchanger plate (energy output portion) 282, instead of a high-frequency electrode 92, disposed therein. The heat exchanger plate 282 has a concave 282a formed therein. A diffuser 284 as an output member or an energy output portion is disposed in the concave 282a of the heat exchanger plate 282. A fiber (energy output portion) 286 is inserted into the diffuser 284. Thus, if laser light is incident to the fiber 286, the laser light is diffused to the outside from the diffuser 284. Energy of the laser light is converted into thermal energy by the heat exchanger plate 282 being irradiated therewith. Thus, heat is conducted through the heat exchanger plate 282 so that body tissues can be treated.

[0170] The second holding member 54 is different only in the projection 202 and the recess 206 and so an illustration thereof is omitted.

[0171] Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 12. A case when a bipolar energy treatment device 12 is used is described in the above embodiments, but the present embodiment is an example of using a monopolar treatment device.

[0172] In such a case, as shown in FIG. 12, a return electrode plate 150 is mounted on a patient P to be treated. The return electrode plate 150 is connected to the energy source 14 via an electrical connection line 150a. Further, the high-frequency electrode 92 disposed on the first holding member 52 and the high-frequency electrode 94 disposed on the second holding member 54 are in a state of the same electric potential in which the electrical connection lines 28a, 28b are electrically connected. In this case, each area of the body tissues L1, L2 in contact with the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is sufficiently smaller than the area where the return electrode plate 150 is in contact with the living body and so a current density is increased, but the current density in the return electrode plate 150 depresses. Thus, while the body tissues L1, L2 held by the first and second holding members 52, 54 are heated by Joule heat, heating of body tissues in contact with the return electrode plate 150 is so small to be ignorable. Therefore, among the body tissues L1, L2, grasped by the first and second holding members 52, 54, only a portion thereof in contact with the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 at the same potential is heated and denatured.

[0173] In the present embodiment, a case when the body tissues L1, L2 are treated by using high-frequency energy has been described, but energy of, for example, a microwave may also be used. In such a case, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 can be used as microwave electrodes.

[0174] Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 13. The above embodiments have been described by taking a linear type energy treatment device 12 (see FIG. 1) to treat body tissues L1, L2 in an abdominal cavity (in the body) through an abdominal wall as an example, but the present modification is, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, an open linear type energy treatment device (medical treatment device) 12a that extracts tissues to be treated out of the body through the abdominal wall for treatment.

[0175] The energy treatment device 12a includes the handle 22 and the treatment portion (holding portion) 26. That is, in contrast to the energy treatment device 12 (see FIG. 1) for treatment through the abdominal wall, the shaft 24 is removed. On the other hand, a member having the same action as the shaft 24 is disposed inside the handle 22. Thus, the energy treatment device 12a shown in FIG. 13 can be used in the same manner as the energy treatment device 12 shown in FIG. 1 described above.

[0176] An adhesive may be directly supplied into body tissues by an injector such as a syringe instead of using the fluid reservoir 122. As a supply method of adhesive, the flow rate adjuster 124 may control the flow rate of adhesive into body tissues by using a rotary pump or the like. Though not specifically described, it is permitted to directly supply an adhesive or the like into body tissues by an injector such as a syringe also in embodiments described below.

[0177] [Second Embodiment]

[0178] Next, the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 14 to 19. The present embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment and the same reference numerals are attached to the same members as those used in the first embodiment or members achieving the same action as the action of those in the first embodiment and a description of such members is omitted.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 14, a handle 22 of an energy treatment device 12b includes a cutter driving knob 34 to move a cutter (auxiliary treatment device) 180 described later while being installed adjacent to the treatment portion opening/closing knob 32.

[0180] As described in FIG. 15, in addition to a detector (called a first detector here) 106 described in the first embodiment, a second detector 107 is connected to a first controller 102 in an energy source 14. The second detector 107 is connected to a sensor 185 disposed in locking portions 184a, 184b, 184c of a long groove 184 described later of the cutter 180 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

[0181] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, recesses 62b, 64a (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) and a projection 202 (see FIGS. 4A to 4D) are removed from a main body 62 of a first holding member 52. A recess 206 (see FIGS. 5A to 5C) is removed from a main body 72 of a second holding member 54.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 16A to 17B, the straight cutter guiding groove 172 is formed on the main body 62 and the base 64 of the first holding member 52 closer to the second holding member 54. Similarly, the straight cutter guiding groove 174 is formed on the main body 72 and the base 74 of the second holding member 54 closer to the first holding member 52. A cutter 180 (see FIGS. 18A to 18B) described later is configured to advance to/retreat from these cutter guiding grooves 172, 174.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 17A, high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 disposed on the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 are formed, for example, in a substantial U shape and each have two ends in the proximal end of the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. That is, each of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is formed continuously. The high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 have cutter guiding grooves (reference numerals 172, 174 are conveniently attached) to guide the cutter 180 formed together with the first and second holding members 52, 54.

[0184] The cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 are formed in a mutually opposite state along the axial direction of the shaft 24. Then, the cutter 180 can be guided by the two collaborating cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 of the first and second holding members 52, 54.

[0185] The cutter guiding groove 172 of the first holding member 52 is formed on the center axis of the main body 62 and the base 64 of the first holding member 52 and the cutter guiding groove 174 of the second holding member 54 is formed on the center axis of the main body 72 and the base 74 of the second holding member 54.

[0186] A driving rod 182 is movably disposed inside a pipe 42 of the shaft 24 along the axis direction thereof. The cutter driving knob 34 is disposed at the proximal end of the driving rod 182. The cutter (auxiliary treatment device) 180 is disposed at the tip end of the driving rod 182. Thus, if the cutter driving knob 34 is operated, the cutter 180 moves along the axial direction of the shaft 24 via the driving rod 182.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 18A, the cutter 180 has a cutting edge 180a formed at the tip end thereof and As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the tip end of the driving rod 182 is fixed to the proximal end thereof. A long groove 184 is formed between the tip end and the proximal end of the cutter 180. In the long groove 184, a movement regulation pin 42a extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 24 is fixed to the pipe 42 of the shaft 24. Thus, the long groove 184 of the cutter 180 moves along the movement regulation pin 42a. Therefore, the cutter 180 moves straight. At this point, the cutter 180 is disposed in the cutter guiding grooves (channels, fluid discharge grooves) 172, 174 of the first and second holding members 52, 54.

[0188] The locking portions 184a, 184b, 184c to control the movement of the cutter 180 by locking the movement regulation pin 42a are formed, for example, at three locations of one end, the other end, and therebetween. The sensor 185 capable of recognizing the position of the movement regulation pin 42a and also recognizing the direction of movement of the movement regulation pin 42a is disposed in the long groove 184 of the cutter 180. Various kinds of sensors such as a sensor using light and a contact type sensor are used as the sensor 185. Thus, it becomes possible to recognize that the cutting edge 180a of the cutter 180 is contained in the shaft 24 when the movement regulation pin 42a is positioned in the locking portion 184a at the one end (tip end) of the long groove 184 and the cutting edge 180a of the cutter 180 is disposed in the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 through the tip end of the shaft 24 when the movement regulation pin 42a is positioned at the other end (rear end) 184b. Therefore, the second detector 107 can recognize the position of the cutting edge 180a of the cutter 180 with respect to the shaft 24 and a treatment portion 26 through the sensor 185 and can easily determine whether the cutting edge 180a of the cutter 180 is in a position to cut body tissues.

[0189] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the pipe 42 and a sheath 44 of the shaft 24 of the energy treatment device 12 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B include fluid discharge ports 186, 188 through which a fluid such as a steam (gas) or liquid (tissue fluid) described later is discharged formed respectively. These fluid discharge ports 186, 188 are formed on the rear end side of the shaft 24.

[0190] Though not shown, a connection mouthpiece is suitably provided on the outer circumferential surface of the fluid discharge port 188 of the sheath 44. At this point, the fluid described later is discharged through the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174, the fluid discharge port 186 of the pipe 42 of the shaft 24, the fluid discharge port 188 of the sheath 44 of the shaft 24, and the connection mouthpiece. In this case, a fluid such as a steam and liquid released from body tissues L1, L2 can easily be discharged from the fluid discharge ports 186, 188 by sucking from inside the connection mouthpiece.

[0191] The fluid discharge ports 186, 188 are suitably provided in the shaft 24, but may also be suitably provided in the handle 22.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 18B, a duct 216 is formed inside a cutter 180 along the longitudinal direction of the cutter 180. The duct 216 formed inside the cutter 180 is connected to a hose 18a through an inner portion of a driving rod 182. A plurality of openings (a conjugation maintenance assistance portion) 216a is formed in the center in a width direction on the side face of the cutter 180. Thus, a body tissue L_T is cut and at the same time, an adhesive is applied to the neighborhood of the joint surface of a joined portion C. Therefore, the adhesive (conjugation adjunct) penetrates the joint surface of the joined portion C and is hardened. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18D, an increasing amount of adhesive penetrates with an adhesive being closer to the cut surface S and a decreasing amount of adhesive penetrates with an adhesive being further away from the cut surface S.

[0193] Next, the action of a medical treatment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 19.

[0194] As described in the first embodiment, a fluid (auxiliary joining agent) with which a joined body tissue L_T obtained after joining the body tissues L1, L2 is coated is put into a fluid reservoir 122 of a fluid source 18. A hose 18a connected to the fluid reservoir 122 is closed by a flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 so that an adhesive should not flow toward the energy treatment device 12.

[0195] The operator operates a display unit 108 of the energy source 14 in advance to set output conditions for the medical treatment system 10 (S201). The operator checks the output (set power Pset [W]) from a high-frequency energy output portion 104, a threshold Z1 [Ω] of an impedance Z by the detector 106, an energy supply time t1 [sec] and the like through the display unit 108. If the output from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 or the threshold Z1 of the impedance Z by the detector 106 should be set to a different value, the operator sets the value as desired and checks the value through the display unit 108. The operator also sets a flow rate V1 passed from the fluid reservoir 122 to the energy treatment device 12 through the hose 18a.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 16A, the treatment portion 26 and the shaft 24 of the surgical treatment device 12 are inserted into the abdominal cavity through, for example, the abdominal wall while the second holding member 54 is closed with respect to the first holding member 52. To hold the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated by the first and second holding members 52, 54, the operator operates the treatment portion opening/closing knob 32 of the handle 22 to hold the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated between the first and second holding members 52, 54.

[0197] The operator operates the pedal of the foot switch 16 while the body tissues L1, L2 are held between the first and second holding members 52, 54. A signal is input into the first controller 102 from the foot switch 16 and the first controller 102 of the energy source 14 determines whether the switch 16 is changed to ON by the pedal thereof pressed through the operation of the operator (S202).

[0198] If the first controller 102 determines that the switch 16 is changed to ON by the pedal thereof pressed, a signal is input into the high-frequency energy output portion 104 from the first controller 102. The high-frequency energy output portion 104 supplies energy to the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 through electrical connection lines 28a, 28b (S203). Then, a high-frequency current is passed to the body tissues L1, L2 between the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. Thus, an inner portion of the body tissues L1, L2 is denatured (the body tissues L1, L2 are cauterized) while the body tissues L1, L2 are heated and dehydrated and contact surfaces C1, C2 of body tissues L1, L2 are joined to form a joined portion C.

[0199] An exhausted fluid such as blood and vapor generated from the body tissues L1, L2 in treatment in which the body tissues L1, L2 are heated and dehydrated can be introduced into cutter guiding grooves 172, 174. Then, the exhausted fluid introduced into the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 can be guided out of the energy treatment device 12b from the fluid discharge ports 186, 188 formed in the pipe 42 of the shaft 24 and the sheath 44. Thus, fluid can be prevented from remaining on joined surfaces of the joined portion C of the body tissues L1, L2 as much as possible and the body tissues L1, L2 can be treated for conjugation more quickly. Therefore, a sequence of treatment of joining the body tissues L1, L2 and coating the joined portion C can be provided more efficiently.

[0200] Then, the first controller 102 determines whether the impedance Z has reached the threshold Z1 (S204) and stops the supply of the high-frequency energy when the impedance Z reaches the threshold Z1 (S205).

[0201] Then, a buzzer sound (first buzzer sound) to tell the end of conjugation treatment of the body tissues L1, L2 using high-frequency energy is emitted from a speaker 110 (S206).

[0202] Next, a medical doctor checks the first buzzer sound and then operates the cutter driving knob 34 shown in FIG. 14. That is, the medical doctor advances the cutter 180 along the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 from the states shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. As the cutter 180 advances, a region denatured and joined by the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 will be cut. At this point, the sensor 185 detects, for example, relative positions of the locking portions 184a, 184b, 184c with respect to the movement regulation pin 42a and conveys the detected relative positions to the second detector 107. The second detector 107 recognizes the position and direction of movement of the cutter 180 with respect to the shaft 24 and the treatment portion 26 (S207).

[0203] If the direction of movement of the cutter 180 detected by the second detector 107 is recognized as a direction to cut the body tissue L_T, the first controller 102 delivers a signal to a second controller 132 to cause the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134 to operate so that the hose 18a is opened (S208).

[0204] Thus, while the joined body tissue L_T is cut, an adhesive is oozed out from an opening 216a of the cutter 180 to apply the adhesive to a cut surface S. That is, as cutting of the body tissue L_T proceeds, adhesive oozed out from the opening 216a of the cutter 180 is applied.

[0205] If it is assumed that the body tissues L1, L2 have the same thickness, adhesive is applied to a position deviating from joined surfaces of the joined portion C. The applied adhesive flows in an appropriate direction depending on the orientation of the first and second holding members 52, 54 and thus, the adhesive is applied to the whole cut surface S by the cutter 180.

[0206] The adhesive also flows to the surface in contact with the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 of the body tissue L_T to be applied there. Thus, the adhesive is applied to the whole exterior surface of the body tissue L_T.

[0207] When a predetermined discharge of adhesive flows through a hose 18a, the hose 18a is closed (S210). When closing of the hose 18a is recognized, a buzz sound is issued (S211). Then, if the return of the cutter 180 to the original position is recognized by a sensor 185 disposed in the cutter 180 after a cutter drive knob 34 being operated (S212), a buzz sound to tell the end of a sequence of treatment is issued by the speaker 110 (S213).

[0208] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the following effect is achieved.

[0209] A fluid such as blood arising from the body tissues L1, L2 during treatment can be put into the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174. Then, the fluid put into the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 can be led to outside the energy treatment device 12b from the fluid discharge ports 186, 188 formed in the pipe 42 of the shaft 24 and the sheath 44. Thus, fluid can be prevented from remaining on a joint surface of the joined portion C of the body tissues L1, L2 as much as possible so that conjugation treatment of the body tissues L1, L2 can be quickened. Therefore, a sequence of the treatment to join the body tissues L1, L2 and to coat the joined portion C can be carried out more efficiently.

[0210] Moreover, fluid can be prevented from seeping through into the joined portion C of the body tissue L_T because not only the outer circumferential surface of the body tissue L_T to be joined can be coated with an adhesive, but also the adhesive can be applied to the cut surface S of the body tissue L_T for coating of the joint surface.

[0211] The hose 18a may be released to allow the adhesive to flow while the cutter 180 moves as described above, the hose 18a may be released after the movement regulation pin 42a of the pipe 42 reaches the locking portion 184b at the other end from the locking portion 184a at the one end of the long groove 184 through the intermediate portion 184c. In this case, cutting of the body tissue L_T by a blade 180a of the cutter 180 is completed (the cut surface S is already formed). Then, adhesive is allowed to flow while the movement regulation pin 42a of the pipe 42 reaches the locking portion 184a at the one end from the locking portion 184b at the other end of the long groove 184 through the intermediate portion 184c. Then, a space is formed by the cut surfaces S of the body tissues L_T when the blade 180a of the cutter 180 is drawn into the shaft 24 from the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. If the adhesive is oozed out from the openings 192a, 194a, the adhesive enters the space between the cut surfaces S. Because the movement of the movement regulation pin 42a of the pipe 42 between the locking portion 184a at the one end and the locking portion 184b at the other end of the long groove 184 of the cutter 180 can be detected by the sensor 185, the spatial relationship between the body tissue L_T to be joined and the cutter 180 can easily be grasped. Thus, the timing to close the hose 18a can appropriately be set by the flow rate adjustment mechanism 134.

[0212] The present embodiment has been described by taking a buzzer sound as a sound emitted from the speaker 110, but treatment content or treatment procedures may be told in speech. It is preferable to make each sound easily recognizable to know what kind of treatment is completed, like the first buzzer sound and the second buzzer sound in the embodiment, which are considerably different.

[0213] In the present embodiment, a case when the cutter 180 is manually operated by the cutter driving knob 34 has been described, meanwhile, it is also preferable to cut the body tissue L_T by automatically causing the cutter 180 to operate without operating the cutter driving knob 34 after the body tissues L1, L2 are treated for conjugation by high-frequency energy. That is, a sequence of treatment from the start of treatment using high-frequency energy to join the body tissues L1, L2 to the end of treatment to coat the joined body tissue L_T may automatically be carried out.

[0214] Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 20A and 20B.

[0215] The cutter 180 shown in FIG. 20A has ducts 212, 214 formed, for example, shown in the upper and lower parts in FIG. 20B, inside along the longitudinal direction of the cutter 180. The ducts 212, 214 formed inside the cutter 180 are connected to a hose 18a through an inner portion of a driving rod 182. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a plurality of openings (conjugation sustainment assistance portions) 212a, 214a are formed at suitable intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cutter 180 on the side face of the cutter 180. These openings 212a, 214a are communicatively connected to the ducts 212, 214. Thus, a fluid invasion prevention substance (conjugation adjunct) to a body tissue L_T such as an adhesive can be discharged from the openings 212a, 214a through the ducts 212, 214.

[0216] Thus, the opening 212a is formed on the upper side of the up and down (height) direction orthogonal to the longer direction and width (thickness) direction of the cutter 180 and the opening 214a is formed on the lower side and therefore, even if the thickness of the body tissues L1, L2 is not uniform, adhesive can easily be caused to invade into joined surfaces of the joined portion C. Then, the adhesive is applied to the surface Sc and the cut surface S of the joined portion C for coating.

[0217] Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 21A to 21C.

[0218] Instead of channels (recesses) 62b and 72b (see FIGS. 4A to 4C), first fluid conduits 162 and 164 having insulating properties is disposed on main bodies 62 and 72 of first and second holding members 52 and 54 shown in FIGS. 21A to 21C.

[0219] The first fluid conduit 162 is disposed on a ring shape in a position close to the surface of the high-frequency electrode 92 along edges of the outer circumference of the main body 62. As shown in FIG. 21C, the transverse section of the first fluid conduit 162 is formed, for example, in a circular shape or rectangular shape. The first fluid conduit 162 preferably has an appropriate elasticity so as to be in close contact with an exterior surface of the body tissue L1 when the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the first and second holding members 52, 54. The first fluid conduit 162 is connected to the duct 64a of the base 64 of the first holding member 52. Incidentally, the high-frequency electrode 92 is disposed inside the first fluid conduit 162.

[0220] The first fluid conduit 162 includes a plurality of openings (a join condition sustainment assistance portion) 162a at suitable intervals. As shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, these openings 162a are directed toward the surface of the high-frequency electrode 92 and also directed toward the center axis of the high-frequency electrode 92. Thus, a fluid discharged from the openings 162a of the fluid conduit 162 can be passed along the surface of the high-frequency electrode 92 toward the center axis of the high-frequency electrode 92.

[0221] Because, as shown in FIG. 21A, the openings 162a of the fluid conduit 162 are positioned close to the surface of the high-frequency electrode 92, a portion of the fluid conduit 162 is projected from the surface of the high-frequency electrode 92. Thus, the fluid conduit 162 serves as a barrier portion that prevents a fluid such as a steam from being leaked to the outside, the fluid such as a steam being generated from the body tissues L1, L2 when the body tissues L1, L2 are treated using the high-frequency electrode 92.

[0222] Though not illustrated, a fluid conduit 164 having an opening (conjugation maintenance assistance portion) 164a is also disposed at an edge of the main body 72 of the second holding member 54 symmetrically with respect to the first holding member 52. Thus, the fluid conduit 164 serves as a barrier portion that prevents a fluid such as vapor generated in the body tissues L1, L2 from leaking to the outside when the body tissues L1, L2 are treated by using the high-frequency electrode 94. The fluid conduit 164 is connected to the duct 74a of the base 74 of the second holding member 54.

[0223] Though not illustrated, the fluid conduit 162 is formed as a double lumen and it is preferable that one (inner side) be a duct having the opening 162a and the other (outer side) be a duct through which a gas or liquid as a coolant flows. In this case, by causing the other duct (duct on the outer side) to circulate the coolant, the portion of the body tissues L1, L2 in contact with the fluid conduit 162 can be cooled. Thus, heat can be prevented from being conducted to the outside of holding surfaces 62a, 72a of the first and second holding members 52, 54 through the body tissues L1, L2 and thus, the body tissues L1, L2 outside the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated can reliably be prevented from being affected.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 21B, second fluid conduits 192, 194 having insulating properties are disposed at edges of the cutter guiding grooves 172, 174. The second fluid conduit 192 is connected to, for example, the duct 64a of the base 64 of the first holding member 52. Similarly, the other second fluid conduit 194 is connected to, for example, the duct 74a of the base 74 of the second holding member 54.

[0225] The second fluid conduits 192, 194 each have a plurality of openings (conjugation sustainment assistance portions) 192a, 194a at appropriate intervals. The openings 192a, 194a of the second fluid conduits 192, 194 are oriented toward the same second fluid conduits 192, 194 opposite to each other across the cutter 180.

[0226] The second fluid conduits 192, 194 each have a pair thereof or each have one fluid conduit bent in a substantial U shape.

[0227] In the present embodiment, a structure in which the fluid conduits 162, 192 are provided in the first holding member 52 and the fluid conduits 164, 194 are provided in the second holding member 54 is described, but these fluid conduits 162, 164, 192, 194 may not be provided.

[0228] Also in the present embodiment, an example in which the opening 216a shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is formed on the side face of the cutter 180 is shown, but the openings 212a, 214a shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B are also preferably formed. In this case, an adhesive can be made to be easily infiltrated into the joined surfaces C1, C2 when the body tissues L1, L2 that are mutually different in thickness are joined.

[0229] Next, a third modification of the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0230] A plurality of heaters (energy output portions) 242 is disposed on the back side of the high-frequency electrode 92 disposed in the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 shown in FIG. 22A. Similarly, though not shown, a plurality of heaters (energy output portions) 252 is disposed on the back side of the high-frequency electrode 94 disposed in the main body 72 of the second holding member 54. The heaters 242, 252 can be controlled by the high-frequency energy output portion 104. That is, the high-frequency energy output portion 104 can supply energy to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 and also to the heaters 242, 252. Incidentally, energy may be made selectively suppliable to both of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 and also to the heaters 242, 252 or energy may be made suppliable simultaneously.

[0231] The high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 are each formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity and thus, if the heaters 242, 252 are heated by supplying energy from the high-frequency energy output portion 104 to the heaters 242, 252, heat is conducted from the heaters 242, 252 to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. The heat conducted to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is spread, for example, concentrically from the heaters 242, 252.

[0232] In the present embodiment, a case when the heaters 242, 252 are disposed on the back side of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 is described, but the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 may wholly be replaced by the heaters.

[0233] [Third Embodiment]

[0234] [Next, the third embodiment will be described using]FIGS. 23A to 26B. The present embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments and the same reference numerals are attached to the same members or members achieving the same action as those described in the first and second embodiments and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0235] As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a base 64 of a first holding member 52 is pivotally supported by a support pin 83 so as to be rotatable with respect to a pipe 42. The support pin 83 is disposed in parallel with a support pin 82 described in the first embodiment. Like an elastic member 84 of a base 74 of a second holding member 54, the base 64 of the first holding member 52 is energized by an elastic member 85 like a plate spring. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 25B, the first holding member 52 and the second holding member 54 are preferably opened symmetrically with respect to a shaft 24 in a treatment portion 26 of an energy treatment device 12c.

[0236] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23A, 24, 25A, and 25B, a pipe-shaped member (join condition sustainment assistance portion) 272 is disposed as an auxiliary treatment device instead of a cutter 180 (see FIGS. 16A and 16B). The proximal end of the pipe-shaped member 272 is connected, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, to a hose 18a.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 25B, a plurality of side holes 272a is formed on the side of a tip portion of the pipe-shaped member 272. The pipe-shaped member 272 can move between inside the shaft 24 and inside the treatment portion 26 by operating a pipe-shaped member movement knob 36 disposed on a handle 22 and can detect the position of the pipe-shaped member 272 relative to the treatment portion 26 or the shaft 24.

[0238] As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, a main body 62 of a first holding member 52 has a recess (pipe-shaped member guiding groove) 62c forming a space to move the pipe-shaped member 272 forward and backward formed therein. The width of the recess 62c is preferably formed slightly larger than an outside diameter of the pipe-shaped member 272. A high-frequency electrode 92a is also disposed on the recess 62c. The high-frequency electrode 92a disposed on the recess 62c and a high-frequency electrode 92c disposed on an inner side of a holding surface 62a of the main body 62 are at the same potential.

[0239] Incidentally, a recess 72c is also formed, as shown in FIG. 26B, in a main body 72 of a second holding member 54 and a high-frequency electrode 94b at the same potential as a high-frequency electrode 94 is disposed on the recess 72c.

[0240] Next, the action of a medical treatment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 26B, the pipe-shaped member 272 of the energy treatment device 12c is arranged between body tissues L1, L2 to be joined. Then, the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 and the pipe-shaped member 272 is sandwiched between the body tissues L1, L2.

[0242] In this state, a substance (conjugation adjunct), such as an adhesive, that prevents fluid from invading the body tissue L_T is introduced from a fluid reservoir 122 to the pipe-shaped member 272 through a hose 18a. Thus, the substance that prevents fluid from invading the body tissue L_T is applied to the body tissues L1, L2 from the side holes 272a of the pipe-shaped member 272. In this state, the pipe-shaped member 272 is pulled out from between the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 by operating the pipe-shaped member movement knob 36. Thus, contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 are in contact via the substance that prevents fluid from invading the body tissue L_T.

[0243] Then, energy is supplied from a high-frequency energy output portion 104 to high-frequency electrodes 92, 94. Thus, the substance that prevents fluid from infiltrating the body tissue L_T on the joint surface is heated and also the joint surfaces are joined.

[0244] As more energy is supplied to the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 or the supply of energy is stopped, the substance that prevents fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T is hardened. At this point, the substance disposed on the joint surface of the body tissues L1, L2 to prevent fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T penetrates from the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 toward the high-frequency electrodes 92, 92b, 94, 94b. Thus, the substance that prevents fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T acts to sustain the joined state of the body tissues L1, L2.

[0245] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the following effect is achieved.

[0246] A fluid invasion prevention substance to the body tissue L_T can directly be applied to between the body tissues L1, L2. That is, the substance that reliably prevents fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T can be applied to between the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2.

[0247] Thus, when the body tissues L1, L2 are joined using high-frequency energy or the like, since the substance that prevents fluid from penetrating the body tissue L_T is disposed between the contact surfaces C1, C2, even if a force to release joining of the body tissues L1, L2 acts, fluid can be prevented from penetrating the joint surface of the body tissues L1, L2 so that the joined state can be sustained.

[0248] Next, a first modification of the third embodiment will be described using FIG. 27.

[0249] That is, the present embodiment is described by assuming that instead of a cutter 180, a pipe-shaped member 272 is used, but an ultrasonic transducer 276 (see FIG. 27) may be disposed at an end face of the pipe-shaped member 272. That is, the pipe-shaped member 272 functions as an energy output portion that outputs ultrasonic energy to the body tissues L1, L2. In this case, after pretreatment to cause collagen to be exposed on contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 by ultrasonic treatment using the pipe-shaped member 272, the body tissues L1, L2 can be bonded by a substance that prevents fluid from invading into the body tissue L_T.

[0250] Next, a second modification of the third embodiment will be described using FIGS. 28 to 29C. Here, an example using heaters 222, 232 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) will be described, but high-frequency electrodes may also be used.

[0251] In the present modification, a mesh or porous coating member (which is melted when heated and applied, invaded, and cured in the body tissues L1, L2 like an adhesive) may be used on the outer circumferential surface of the body tissues L1, L2 when high-frequency electrodes are used for treatment and further a sheet coating member may also be used when heaters are used for treatment.

[0252] A medical treatment system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an energy treatment device 12 and an energy source 14 and a case when a fluid source 18 is removed from the medical treatment system will be described here. In addition, a case when mainly the heaters 222, 232 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) are used, instead of high-frequency electrodes 92, 94, will be described.

[0253] As shown in FIG. 28A, a coating member (sheet member) 224 (see FIG. 28B) whose transverse section is formed in a C shape is disposed on the outer circumference of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52.

[0254] As shown in FIGS. 29A to 29C, a portion of the coating member 224 in contact with the heater 222 has various shapes like non-porous sheet, mesh, and porous shapes. The coating member 224 contains components of the conjugation adjunct described in the first embodiment and a heated portion thereof is melted when heated to an appropriate temperature and components of the conjugation adjunct spread to the surface of body tissues or infiltrate and are cured while spread on the surface of body tissues or infiltrated when cooled. When cured, as described in the first embodiment, the action of preventing fluid from infiltrating to contact surfaces described later or the like from outside body tissues is achieved.

[0255] The coating member 224 is suitably expandable at least in the circumferential direction (width direction orthogonal to the longer direction of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52) before heating (for example, states like non-porous sheet, mesh, and porous shapes). Then, when the coating member 224 is disposed in the main body 62 of the first holding member 52, the coating member 224 can be brought into close contact with the holding surface 62a of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 and an exterior surface detached from the second holding member 54 of the main body 62.

[0256] Coating members (conjugation maintenance assistance portions) 224, 234 are disposed between the body tissues L1, L2 and the heaters 222, 232 when the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54 and so are pressed toward the heaters 222, 232 by the body tissues L1, L2. Thus, when the body tissues L1, L2 are held by the first and second holding members 52, 54, the coating members 224, 234 come into contact with the heaters 222, 232.

[0257] Ends of the coating member 224 disposed in the first holding member 52 may be opposed to each other in positions of the main body 62 of the first holding member 52 detached from the main body 72 of the second holding member 54 or may partially be overlapping. The heater 232 and the coating member 234 are also disposed in the second holding member 54. In this case, the heater 232 and the coating member 234 are suitably disposed in the same manner as in the first holding member 52.

[0258] A substance that prevents fluid from invading into the body tissue L_T is gradually cured by being cooled by the stop of energy supply. Then, the substance that prevents fluid from invading into the body tissue L_T is sustained in a state in which the joined body tissues L_T are coated with the substance.

[0259] Portions of the coating members 224, 234 that are not in contact with the heaters 222, 232 preferably sustain a state of being disposed in the main bodies 62, 72 of the first and second holding members 52, 54. That is, the coating member 224 disposed in the first holding member 52 maintains a state in which the side detached from the holding surface 62a of the main body 62 with respect to the second holding member 54 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 62. Also, the coating member 234 disposed in the second holding member 54 sustains a state in which the side detached from the holding surface 72a of the main body 72 with respect to the first holding member 52 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 72.

[0260] The porous coating members 224, 234 shown in FIG. 29B or mesh coating members 224, 234 shown in FIG. 29C are used, instead of the heaters 222, 232, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 may be used for treatment. If the porous coating members 224, 234 shown in FIG. 29B are used, a portion of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 comes into contact with the body tissues L1, L2. If the mesh coating members 224, 234 shown in FIG. 29C are used, a portion of the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 comes into contact with the body tissues L1, L2. Thus, when the porous coating members 224, 234 or the mesh coating members 224, 234 are used, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 or the heaters 222, 232 may be used.

[0261] On the other hand, if the non-porous sheet coating members 224, 234 are used, the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 do not come into contact with the body tissues L1, L2 and thus, it is preferable to use the heaters 222, 232 in this case. Incidentally, if a hole can be provided by a projection 202 provided in the high-frequency electrode 92 in a portion of the non-porous sheet coating members 224, 234 so that the high-frequency electrodes 92, 94 can directly be brought into contact with the body tissues L1, L2, as will be described below, treatment using high-frequency energy will also be possible.

[0262] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0263] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 30 to 33C. The present embodiment is a modification of the first to third embodiments. Here, the present embodiment will be described by taking a circular type bipolar energy treatment device (medical treatment device) 12d for treatment, for example, through or outside the abdominal wall as an example of the energy treatment device will be described.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 30, the energy treatment device 12d includes a handle 322, a shaft 324, and a treatment portion (holding portion) 326 that can be opened and closed. An energy source 14 is connected to the handle 322 via a cable 28 and also a fluid source 18 connected to the handle 322 via a hose 18a.

[0265] A treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 and a cutter driving lever 334 are disposed on the handle 322. The treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 is rotatable with respect to the handle 322. If the treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 is rotated, for example, clockwise with respect to the handle 322, a detachable-side holding member 354 described later of the treatment portion 326 is detached from a main body-side holding member 352 (see FIG. 33B) and if the treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 is rotated counterclockwise, the detachable-side holding member 354 is brought closer to the main body-side holding member 352 (see FIG. 33A).

[0266] The shaft 324 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In consideration of insertability into body tissues, the shaft 324 is made to be curved appropriately. It is, needless to say, that the shaft 324 is also suitably formed in a straight shape.

[0267] The treatment portion 326 is disposed at the distal end of the shaft 324. As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the treatment portion 326 includes the main body-side holding member (first holding member) 352 formed at the distal end of the shaft 324 and the detachable-side holding member (second holding member) 354 detachable from the main body-side holding member 352.

[0268] The main body-side holding member 352 includes a cylinder body 362, a frame 364, an electrical connection pipe 366, a cutter 368, a cutter pusher 370, and first and second fluid ducts 372, 374. The cylinder body 362 and the frame 364 have insulating properties. The cylinder body 362 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft 324. The frame 364 is disposed in a state of being fixed with respect to the cylinder body 362.

[0269] The frame 364 has a center axis which is opened. The electrical connection pipe 366 is disposed in the opened center axis of the frame 364 movably within a predetermined range along the center axis of the frame 364. If the treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 of the handle 322 is rotated, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the electrical connection pipe 366 can move within the predetermined range through, for example, ball screw (not shown) action. The electrical connection pipe 366 has a projection 366a projecting inwards in a diameter direction formed thereon so that a connector 382a of an electrical connection shaft 382 described later can be engaged and released.

[0270] A fluid duct 374 to pass a fluid to the detachable-side holding member 354 is disposed inside the electrical connection pipe 366. Like the electrical connection pipe 366, the fluid duct 374 is movable within a predetermined range.

[0271] As shown in FIGS. 31B and 33B, a space is formed between the cylinder body 362 and the frame 364. The cutter 368 in a cylindrical shape is disposed in the space between the cylinder body 362 and the frame 364. The proximal end of the cutter 368 is connected to the tip portion of the cutter pusher 368a disposed inside the shaft 324. The cutter 368 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cutter pusher 370. Though not shown, the proximal end of the cutter pusher 370 is connected to the cutter driving lever 334 of the handle 322. Thus, if the cutter driving lever 334 of the handle 322 is operated, the cutter 368 moves via the cutter pusher 370.

[0272] A first fluid airway (fluid channel) 376 is formed between the cutter pusher 370 and the frame 364. Also, a fluid discharge port (not shown) which is configured to discharge a fluid passing through the first fluid airway 376 to the outside is formed in the shaft 324 or the handle 322.

[0273] As shown in FIGS. 31B and 32, a first high-frequency electrode 378 in an annular shape is formed as an output member or an energy discharge unit at the tip end of the cylinder body 362. The tip end of a first electrical connection line 378a is fixed to the first high-frequency electrode 378. The first electrical connection line 378a is connected to the cable 28 via the main body-side holding member 352, the shaft 324, and the handle 322.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 32, recesses (conjugation maintenance assistance portion) 379 are formed in the first high-frequency electrode 378 at the tip of the main body-side holding member 352. Each of the recesses 379 is formed in such a way that a projection 391 of a second high-frequency electrode 390 described later and disposed in the detachable-side holding member 354 is accepted in a non-contact manner.

[0275] An edge 362a of the cylinder body 362 is formed in a position higher than the first high-frequency electrode 378 on the outer side of the first high-frequency electrode 378. That is, the edge 362a of the main body-side holding member 352 is closer to a head portion 384 described later of the detachable-side holding member 354 than the first high-frequency electrode 378.

[0276] The length of the projection 391 of the second high-frequency electrode 390 of the detachable-side holding member 354 is formed to a height that does not come into contact with the recess 379 of the first high-frequency electrode 378 of the main body-side holding member 352. In other words, the depth of the recess 379 of the first high-frequency electrode 378 is formed deeper (longer) than the length of the projection 391 of the second high-frequency electrode 390.

[0277] The detachable-side holding member 354 includes the electrical connection shaft 382 having the connector 382a, the head portion 384, and a fluid duct 386. The head portion 384 is formed in a substantially semi-spherical shape. The connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 is formed on the side closer to one end of the electrical connection shaft 382. The electrical connection shaft 382 has a circular transverse section, one end thereof is formed in a tapering shape, and the other end is fixed to the head portion 384. The connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 is formed in a concave shape enabling engagement with the projection 366a of the electrical connection pipe 366 on the side closer to one end of the electrical connection shaft 382. The outer circumferential surface of a portion other than the connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 is insulated by coating or the like.

[0278] The electrical connection shaft 382 has first and second ducts 388a, 388b formed so that one end and the other end are cut through. The first duct 388a is formed so that the center axis of the electrical connection shaft 382 is cut through. The first duct 388a is communicatively connected to the fluid duct 374 of the main body-side holding member 352 when the connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 of the detachable-side holding member 354 is fitted into the projection 366a of the electrical connection pipe 366 of the main body-side holding member 352. The second duct 388b is communicatively connected to the second fluid airway (fluid path) 380 between the electrical connection pipe 366 and the fluid duct 374.

[0279] The head portion 384 has an edge 384a formed thereon. A second high-frequency electrode 390 in an annular shape is disposed as an output member or an energy discharge unit on the inner side of the edge 384a. One end of a second electrical connection line 390a is fixed to the second high-frequency electrode 390. The other end of the second electrical connection line 390a is electrically connected to the electrical connection shaft 382.

[0280] As shown in FIGS. 31B and 33B, the second high-frequency electrode 390 has a plurality of projections 391 disposed, for example, at equal intervals. If the detachable-side holding member 354 is brought closer to the main body-side holding member 352, the projection 391 can be disposed in a state in which the projection 391 is not in contact with the recess 379 of the first high-frequency electrode 378.

[0281] The projection 391 is formed to an appropriate length so that a hole is formed in the body tissues L1, L2. The projection 391 does not necessarily need to penetrate through the body tissues L1, L2 and the tip (distal end with respect to the high-frequency electrode 390) of the projection 391 is suitably positioned closer to the high-frequency electrode 378 of the main body-side holding member 352 than the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2.

[0282] As shown in FIG. 33C, each of the projections 391 has one or a plurality of openings 391a formed therein. Each of the projections 391 preferably has a plurality of openings 391a formed therein. The projection 391 is communicatively connected to the first duct 388a and the second fluid duct 374 and can ooze out a fluid (conjugation adjunct) such as an adhesive through the opening 391a. The projections 391 are preferably disposed, for example, at equal intervals or in such a way that the same amount of liquid is oozed out from the opening 391a of each of the projections 391 by adjusting, for example, the diameter of the opening 391a.

[0283] A fluid discharge groove 392 in an annular shape is formed between the edge 384a of the head portion 384 and the second high-frequency electrode 390. The fluid discharge groove 392 is communicatively connected to the second duct 388b of the electrical connection shaft 382. The surface of the second high-frequency electrode 390 is in a state of being drawn to the edge 384a of the head portion 384. That is, the contact surface of the edge 384a of the detachable-side holding member 354 is closer to the main body-side holding member 352 than the second high-frequency electrode 390. Thus, vapor and liquids discharged from the body tissues L1, L2 in contact with the second high-frequency electrode 390 flow into the fluid discharge groove 392.

[0284] A cutter receiving portion 394 to receive the cutter 368 disposed on the main body-side holding member 352 is formed inside the second high-frequency electrode 390 in an annular shape.

[0285] Further, the fluid discharge groove 392 is communicatively connected to the head portion 384 and the second duct 388b of the electrical connection shaft 382. The second duct 388b is communicatively connected to the second fluid airway (fluid path) 380 of the electrical connection pipe 366. The shaft 324 or the handle 322 has a fluid discharge port (not shown) formed to discharge a fluid flowing through the second fluid airway 380.

[0286] The electrical connection pipe 366 is connected to the cable 28 via the shaft 324 and the handle 322. Thus, when the connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 of the detachable-side holding member 354 is engaged with the projection 366a of the electrical connection pipe 366, the second high-frequency electrode 390 and the electrical connection pipe 366 are electrically connected.

[0287] As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the fluid duct 386 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the head portion 384 of the detachable-side holding member 354. The fluid duct 386 is disposed on the outer side of the edge 384a head portion 384. Then, as shown in FIGS. 31B and 33B, an opening (conjugation maintenance assistance portion) 386a is formed in a portion of the fluid duct 386 disposed on the outer side of the edge 384a head portion 384 and a branch duct 386b to discharge a fluid through the second high-frequency electrode 390 is formed inside the head portion 384. The fluid duct 386 is communicatively connected to the first duct 388a from the outer circumferential surface of the head portion 384 of the detachable-side holding member 354 to the inside of the electrical connection shaft 382. The branch duct 386b of the fluid duct 386 is communicatively connected to the first duct 388a to branch from the first duct 388a. The first duct 388a of the electrical connection shaft 382 is connected to the second fluid duct 374 disposed on the inner side of the electrical connection pipe 366 of the main body-side holding member 352.

[0288] The electrical connection pipe 366 is connected to the cable 28 via the shaft 324 and the handle 322. Thus, when the connector 382a of the electrical connection shaft 382 is engaged with the projection 366a of the electrical connection pipe 366, the second high-frequency electrode 390 and the electrical connection pipe 366 are electrically connected.

[0289] Next, the action of a medical treatment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0290] As shown in FIG. 33A, the treatment portion 326 and the shaft 324 of the energy treatment device 12c are inserted into the abdominal cavity through, for example, the abdominal wall while the main body-side holding member 352 is closed with respect to the detachable-side holding member 354. The main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354 of the energy treatment device 12c are opposed across body tissues to be treated.

[0291] The treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 of the handle 322 is operated to sandwich the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated between the main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354. At this point, the treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 of the handle 322 is rotated, for example, clockwise with respect to the handle 322. Then, as shown in FIG. 33B, the electrical connection pipe 366 is moved to the side of the distal end portion thereof with respect to the frame 364 of the shaft 324 of the electrical connection pipe 366. Thus, the interval between the main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354 increases so that the detachable-side holding member 354 can be separated from the main body-side holding member 352.

[0292] Then, the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated are arranged between the first high-frequency electrode 378 of the main body-side holding member 352 and the second high-frequency electrode 390 of the detachable-side holding member 354. The electrical connection shaft 382 of the detachable-side holding member 354 is inserted into the electrical connection pipe 366 of the main body-side holding member 352. In this state, the treatment portion opening/closing knob 332 of the handle 322 is rotated, for example, counterclockwise. Thus, the detachable-side holding member 354 is closed with respect to the main body-side holding member 352. In this manner, the body tissues L1, L2 to be treated are held between the main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354.

[0293] In this state, the foot switch or hand switch is operated to supply energy from the energy source 14 to each of the first high-frequency electrode 378 and the second high-frequency electrode 390 via the cable 28. The first high-frequency electrode 378 passes a high-frequency current to the second high-frequency electrode 390 via the body tissues L1, L2. Thus, the body tissues L1, L2 between the first high-frequency electrode 378 and the second high-frequency electrode 390 are heated.

[0294] At this point, a fluid such as a vapor and a liquid arises from a heated portion of the body tissues L1, L2. The surface of the first high-frequency electrode 378 exposed to the side of the detachable-side holding member 354 is positioned slightly lower than the edge 362a of the main body-side holding member 352 while the first high-frequency electrode 378 is fixed to the main body-side holding member 352. Similarly, the surface of the second high-frequency electrode 390 exposed to the side of the main body-side holding member 352 is positioned slightly lower than the edge 384a of the head portion 384 of the detachable-side holding member 354 while the second high-frequency electrode 390 is fixed to the detachable-side holding member 354.

[0295] Thus, the edge 362a of the main body-side holding member 352 discharges a fluid arising from the body tissue L1 in contact with the first high-frequency electrode 378 to the second fluid airway 380 inside the electrical connection pipe 366 through the fluid discharge groove 392 and the second duct 388b. Also, the edge 384a of the detachable-side holding member 354 discharges a fluid arising from the body tissue L2 in contact with the second high-frequency electrode 390 to the first fluid airway 376 between the cylinder body 362 and the frame 364. Therefore, the edge 362a of the main body-side holding member 352 and the edge 384a of the detachable-side holding member 354 each serve the role as a barrier portion (dam) to prevent a fluid arising from the body tissues L1, L2 from leaking to the outside of the main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354.

[0296] Then, while the main body-side holding member 352 and the detachable-side holding member 354 are closed, a fluid arising from the body tissue L1 flows into the first fluid airway 376 and a fluid arising from the body tissue L2 flows into the second fluid airway 380 by the edge 362a of the main body-side holding member 352 and the edge 384a of the detachable-side holding member 354 being kept in contact. Thus, a fluid arising from the body tissues L1, L2 is passed from the first and second fluid airways 376, 380 to the side of the handle 322 before being discharged to the outside of the energy treatment device 12d.

[0297] After the body tissues L1, L2 being joined, an adhesive is allowed to flow through a fluid reservoir 122, the hose 18a, the second fluid duct 374, the first duct 388a, the branch duct 386b, and the opening 391a of the projection 391. Then, the adhesive is infiltrated to the joined surfaces of the joined portion C from the opening 391a of the projection 391 and cured. That is, an adhesive containing a conjugation adjunct is applied to the joined surfaces of treated body tissues L1, L2 and the joined portion C of the body tissue L_T is coated with the adhesive.

[0298] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the following effect is achieved.

[0299] By treating the body tissues L1, L2 for conjugation while measuring the impedance Z of the body tissues L1, L2, close contact of the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 can be made more reliable. By causing an adhesive or the like to infiltrate to the joined surfaces of the body tissue L_T treated for conjugation after the body tissues L1, L2 being treated for conjugation, the joined portion can be coated. Thus, fluid can be prevented from infiltrating to the joined portion C of the body tissue L_T treated for conjugation. Therefore, a state in which the contact surfaces C1, C2 of the body tissues L1, L2 are in close contact (state in which the body tissues L_T are joined) can be sustained for a long time.

[0300] The present embodiment is described by taking a case when the high-frequency electrodes 378, 390 are used, but it is also preferable to use other types of energy such as heaters and laser light.

[0301] Next, a first modification of the fourth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 34 and 35. The present modification uses coating members 396, 398 formed of components similar to those of coating members 224, 234 described in the second modification of the third embodiment.

[0302] As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, a main body-side holding member 352 and a detachable-side holding member 354 have coating members (join condition sustainment assistance portions) 396, 398 in various sheet shapes such as a nonporous shape, porous shape, and mesh shape containing a conjugation adjunct, instead fluid duct 386 (see FIGS. 31A to 33B) described in the fourth embodiment, disposed therein.

[0303] The coating members 396, 398 are each formed in a substantially annular shape. That is, the coating members 396, 398 have openings 396a, 398a therewithin. The opening 396a of the coating member 396 disposed on the main body-side holding member 352 causes an electrical connection pipe 366 of the main body-side holding member 352 to project. The opening 398a of the coating member 398 disposed on the detachable-side holding member 354 causes an electrical connection shaft 382 of the detachable-side holding member 354 to project.

[0304] By providing treatment in this state, the outer circumference of the body tissues L1, L2 can be coated so that fluid can be prevented from infiltrating particularly to the joined portion C of the body tissues L1, L2.

[0305] In the present embodiment, a case when high-frequency electrodes 378, 390 are used has been described, but it is also preferable to use other type of energy such as a heater and laser light.

[0306] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.