US006221039B1
(io) Patent No.: US 6,221,039 Bl (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 24,2001
(54) MULTI-FUNCTION SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
(75) Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, Attleboro; Sheila Caira, Auburndale, both of MA (US)
(73) Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc., Maple Grove, MN (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 09/178,570
(22) Filed: Oct. 26, 1998
(51) Int. C I. A61B 17/20
(52) U.S. CI 604/22; 606/48
(58) Field of Search 604/21, 22, 20,
604/48, 73, 93, 264; 606/111, 113, 48, 127, 50, 47
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.
28 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
