초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for effecting and enhancing wound closure in tissue is disclosed. Wounds and tissue are sealed by heating a sealant material, such as collagen, in an applicator (10) to a temperature sufficient to melt the sealant. The melted sealant is then extruded through a distal tip of a

An apparatus and method for effecting and enhancing wound closure in tissue is disclosed. Wounds and tissue are sealed by heating a sealant material, such as collagen, in an applicator (10) to a temperature sufficient to melt the sealant. The melted sealant is then extruded through a distal tip of an elongate shaft (22) and applied to the target site, where it cools and sets to form bonds with the underlying tissue. The heated sealant flows over the wound to create an effective barrier against further blood leakage and, upon cooling, it readily adheres to the tissue to seal the wound. In addition, since high intensity energy is not applied directly to the wound, damage or destruction of neighboring tissue is minimized.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for applying a sealant material to a target site on tissue, said method comprising:providing a reservoir of the sealant material;heating the sealant material;applying the heated sealant material to the target site under conditions which denature surface proteins

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for applying a sealant material to a target site on tissue, said method comprising:providing a reservoir of the sealant material;heating the sealant material;applying the heated sealant material to the target site under conditions which denature surface proteins in the tissue at the target site; applying RF energy from an external probe to the sealant material; andallowing the sealant material to cool and set at the target site.