U.S. patent application number 12/845240 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for electrosurgical system and method for treating chronic wound tissue.
This patent application is currently assigned to ArthroCare Corporation. Invention is credited to Terry S. Davison, Martin Kwende, Brian Warne.
Application Number | 20100292689 12/845240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40955792 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100292689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davison; Terry S. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING CHRONIC WOUND
TISSUE
Abstract
An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue,
comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to
the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal
end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage
potential difference across the active electrode and a return
electrode sufficient to debride and sterilize at least a portion of
the chronic wound tissue; and applying a skin graft in the vicinity
of the chronic wound tissue.
Inventors: |
Davison; Terry S.; (Redwood
City, CA) ; Warne; Brian; (Los Gatos, CA) ;
Kwende; Martin; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTHROCARE CORPORATION;ATTN: Matthew Scheele
7500 Rialto Boulevard, Building Two, Suite 100
Austin
TX
78735-8532
US
|
Assignee: |
ArthroCare Corporation
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
40955792 |
Appl. No.: |
12/845240 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12430181 |
Apr 27, 2009 |
|
|
|
12845240 |
|
|
|
|
11327089 |
Jan 6, 2006 |
7691101 |
|
|
12430181 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/1213 20130101;
A61B 2018/00452 20130101; A61B 2018/1472 20130101; A61B 18/1402
20130101; A61B 2218/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/41 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/14 20060101
A61B018/14 |
Claims
1. An electrosurgical method of treating a chronic wound tissue
comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the
chronic wound tissue, the chronic wound tissue comprising a wound
bed; positioning a return electrode in the presence of the chronic
wound tissue, the return electrode proximally spaced away from the
active electrode; delivering an electrically conductive fluid
proximate the active electrode; applying a high frequency voltage
between the active electrode and the return electrode in the
presence of the electrically conductive fluid, the high frequency
voltage sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active
electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer debrides at least a
portion of the chronic wound tissue and sterilizes at least a
portion of the wound bed; and applying a skin graft in the vicinity
of the wound bed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the debriding step further
comprises removing at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue
to a controlled depth and to form a bleeding wound bed.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein sterilizing at least a portion of
the wound bed comprises removing debris in the wound bed.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein sterilizing at least a portion of
the wound bed comprises removing pathogens in the wound bed.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the debriding step further
comprises removing necrotic tissue in the chronic wound tissue and
in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising bridging gaps in a
vascular structure between the wound bed and a border tissue
portion adjacent to the wound bed.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing barriers to
epithelial cell migration between the tissue surrounding the wound
bed and the wound bed.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ionized vapor layer forms a
plasma at the active electrode.
9. An electrosurgical method of treating a chronic wound tissue
comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the
chronic wound tissue, the chronic wound tissue comprising a wound
bed; positioning a return electrode in the presence of the chronic
wound tissue, the return electrode proximally spaced away from the
active electrode; applying a high frequency voltage between the
active electrode and the return electrode, wherein the high
frequency voltage is sufficient to debride at least a portion of
the chronic wound tissue such that a bleeding wound bed is
prepared; and applying a skin graft in the vicinity of the bleeding
wound bed.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: delivering an
electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode;
wherein the high frequency voltage is sufficient to vaporize and
ionize the electrically conductive fluid such that a plasma is
formed; and applying the plasma to the chronic wound tissue to
debride the at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue and to
prepare the bleeding wound bed.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein applying the plasma further
comprises sterilizing at least a portion of the wound bed.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein sterilizing the at least a
portion of the wound bed comprises removing debris in the wound
bed.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein sterilizing the at least a
portion of the wound bed comprises removing pathogens in the wound
bed.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the debriding step further
comprises removing necrotic tissue in the chronic wound tissue and
in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising bridging gaps in a
vascular structure between the wound bed and a border tissue
portion adjacent to the wound bed.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising removing barriers to
epithelial cell migration between the tissue surrounding the wound
bed and the wound bed.
17. An electrosurgical method of treating chronic wound tissue
comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the
chronic wound tissue, the chronic wound tissue comprising a wound
bed; positioning a return electrode in the presence of the chronic
wound tissue, the return electrode proximally spaced away from the
active electrode; applying a high frequency voltage between the
active electrode and the return electrode sufficient to develop a
high electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer
proximate the active electrode, wherein the vapor layer modifies
the chronic wound tissue to prepare the chronic wound tissue for
application of a skin graft in the vicinity of the chronic wound
tissue; and applying the skin graft in the vicinity of the wound
bed.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying the chronic wound
tissue comprises debriding at least a portion of the chronic wound
tissue such that a bleeding wound bed is prepared.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the debriding step further
comprises removing necrotic tissue in the chronic wound tissue and
in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying the chronic wound
tissue comprises sterilizing at least a portion of the wound bed,
and wherein the step of sterilizing further comprises substantially
reducing debris and pathogens in the wound bed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/430,181, filed Apr. 27, 2009, and entitled "Electrosurgical
System and Method of Treating Chronic Wound Tissue," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/327,089, filed
Jan. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,691,101, and entitled
"Electrosurgical Method and System for Treating Foot Ulcer," both
of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure pertains to electrosurgical systems and
methods for treating tissue, in particular, an electrosurgical
method for treating chronic wound tissue whereby an active
electrode in the presence of plasma is directed to perforate and/or
debride the wound tissue, remove debris and pathogens from the
wound bed, induce blood flow, and leverage the body's metabolic,
vascular, molecular, and biochemical response to promote,
stimulate, and stabilize the healing process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wound healing is the body's natural response for repairing
and regenerating dermal and epidermal tissue. Wound healing is
generally categorized into four stages: 1) clotting/hemostasis
stage; 2) inflammatory stage; 3) tissue cell proliferation stage;
and 4) tissue cell remodeling stage. The wound healing process is
complex and fragile and may be susceptible to interruption or
failure, especially in the instance of chronic wounds. A wound that
does not heal in a predictable amount of time and in the orderly
set of stages for typical wound healing may be categorized as
chronic. For instance, wounds that do not heal within approximately
one month from the point of inception are often categorized as
chronic, and in some cases chronic wounds may never heal or may
take years to do so. A number of factors may overwhelm the body's
ability to effectively heal a wound, such as repeated trauma,
continued pressure, an overriding illness, infection, or a
restriction in blood supply to the wound area. More specifically,
because the body's response to chronic wounds is often overwhelmed,
the healing response goes awry, resulting in instability and
disorganization in the healing process.
[0004] Chronic wounds may become caught in one or more of the four
stages of wound healing, such as remaining in the inflammatory
stage for too long, and thereby preventing the wound healing
process to naturally progress. Similarly, a chronic wound may fail
to adequately finish one stage of healing before moving on to the
next, resulting in interference between the healing stages and
potentially causing processes to repeat without an effective end.
By way of further example, during the stage of epithelialization in
typical wound healing, epithelial cells are formed at the edges of
the wound or in proximity to a border or rim surrounding the wound
bed and proliferate over the wound bed to cover it, continuing
until the cells from various sides meet in the middle. Affected by
various growth factors, the epithelial cells proliferate over the
wound bed, engulfing and eliminating debris and pathogens found in
the wound bed such as dead or necrotic tissue and bacterial matter
that would otherwise obstruct their path and delay or prevent wound
healing and closure. However, the epithelialization process in
chronic wounds may be short-circuited or ineffective as the
epithelial cells, needing living tissue to migrate across the wound
bed, do not rapidly proliferate over the wound bed, or in some
instances do not adequately respond at all during this particular
stage of wound healing. As such, a need arises with chronic wounds
to sterilize the wound site, as well as to establish communication
between healthy tissue and wound tissue to promote
epithelialization, fibroblast and epithelial migration, and
neovascularization, and to bridge the gaps (i.e., including but not
limited to structural and vascular gaps) between vital tissue
surrounding the wound bed and tissue on the periphery of and within
the wound bed itself.
[0005] Certain chronic wounds can be classified as ulcers of some
type (i.e., diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers).
An ulcer is a break in a skin or a mucus membrane evident by a loss
of surface tissue, tissue disintegration, necrosis of epithelial
tissue, nerve damage and pus. Venous ulcers typically occur in the
legs and are thought to be attributable to either chronic venous
insufficiency or a combination of arterial and venous
insufficiency, resulting in improper blood flow and/or a
restriction in blood flow that causes tissue damage leading to the
wound. Pressure ulcers typically occur in people with limited
mobility or paralysis, where the condition of the person inhibits
movement of body parts that are commonly subjected to pressure.
Pressure ulcers, commonly referred to as "bed sores," are caused by
ischemia that occurs when the pressure on the tissue is greater
than the blood pressure in the capillaries at the wound site, thus
restricting blood flow into the area.
[0006] For patients with long-standing diabetes and with poor
glycemic control, a common condition is a diabetic foot ulcer,
symptoms of which include slow healing surface lesions with
peripheral neuropathy (which inhibits the perception of pain),
arterial insufficiency, damage to small blood vessels, poor
vascularization, ischemia of surrounding tissue, deformities,
cellulitis tissue formation, high rates of infection and
inflammation. Cellulitis tissue includes callous and fibrotic
tissue. Thus, due to the often concomitant loss of sensation in the
wound area, diabetic patients may not initially notice small,
non-lesioned wounds to legs and feet, and may therefore fail to
prevent infection or repeated injury. If left untreated a diabetic
foot ulcer can become infected and gangrenous which can result in
disfiguring scars, foot deformity, and/or amputation.
[0007] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B, a diabetic foot ulcer may
develop on any position of the foot, and typically occur on areas
of the foot subjected to pressure or injury and common areas such
as: on the dorsal portion of the toes; the pad of the foot; and the
heel. Depending on its severity, the condition can vary in size, as
illustrated in FIG. 1B, from a relatively small inflammation on the
toe with cellulitis and unhealthy tissue, to a larger neuropathic
lesion on the ball of the foot characterized by cellulitis and
unhealthy tissue. If the ulcer is accompanied by osteomeylitis,
deep abscess or critical ischema, the condition may trigger
amputation.
[0008] Typically, ulcer treatment is dependant upon its location,
size, depth, and appearance to determine whether it is neuropathic,
ischemic, or neuro-ischemic. Depending on the diagnosis,
antibiotics may be administered and if further treatment is
necessary, the symptomatic area is treated more aggressively (e.g.,
by surgical debridement using a scalpel, scissors, or other
instrument to cut necrotic and/or infected tissue from the wound,
mechanical debridement using the removal of dressing adhered to the
wound tissue, or chemical debridement using certain enzymes and
other compounds to dissolve wound tissue) to remove unhealthy
tissue and induce blood flow and to expose healthy underlying
structure. Often, extensive post-debridement treatment such as
dressings, foams, hydrocolloids, genetically engineered
platelet-derived growth factor becaplermin and bio-engineered skins
and the like may also be utilized.
[0009] Additionally, several other types of wounds may progress to
a chronic, non-healing condition. For example, surgical wounds at
the site of incision may progress inappropriately to a chronic
wound or may progress to pathological scarring such as a keloid
scar. Trauma wounds may similarly progress to chronic wound status
due to infection or involvement of other factors within the wound
bed that inhibit proper healing. Burn treatment and related skin
grafting procedures may also be compromised due to improper wound
healing response and the presence of chronic wound formation
characteristics. In various types of burns, ulcers, and amputation
wounds, skin grafting may be required. In certain instances,
patients with ischemia or poor vascularity may experience
difficulty in the graft "taking" resulting in the need for multiple
costly skin grafting procedures. Finally, in patients where the
risk of infection is high due to a weakened immune system (i.e.,
tissue impacted by radiation, patients undergoing cancer
treatments, patients affected by immune compromised diseases such
as HIV/AIDS), inflammation of a wound may be prolonged thereby
interfering with the wound healing process and leading to wounds
more susceptible to develop into chronic wounds, particularly where
the wound site is unable to be sufficiently sterilized.
[0010] Various methods exist for treatment of chronic wounds,
including antibiotic and antibacterial use, surgical or mechanical
debridement, irrigation, topical chemical treatment, warming,
oxygenation, and moist wound healing, which remain subject to
several shortcomings in their efficacy. Accordingly, there remains
a need for new and improved methods for use in the treatment of
chronic wounds that address certain of the forgoing
difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one embodiment, the method is an
electrosurgical procedure for treating wound tissue, in particular
a chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode
in close proximity to the wound, the active electrode disposed on a
distal end of an electrosurgical probe or shaft; applying a
high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active
electrode and a return electrode sufficient to develop a high
electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer proximate
the active electrode wherein the high electric field intensity
stimulates the wound tissue and an expression of at least one
healing mediator in the wound tissue. In certain embodiments, an
electrically conductive fluid is provided proximate the active
electrode, such that the fluid is vaporized and ionized to thereby
form a plasma. Modification of the wound tissue in accordance with
the present method may include perforating tissue on and in the
vicinity of the wound, debriding tissue to induce blood flow,
debriding necrotic tissue both on the periphery of the wound bed
and within the wound bed itself, removing biofilm and bacteria from
the wound bed, and applying plasma and associated RF electric
energy to stimulate or induce a metabolic, biochemical, and/or
physiological change in the wound tissue and surrounding tissue,
and thereby leverage the body's natural healing response. In other
embodiments, the active electrode is inserted into the wound tissue
to perforate and remove necrotic or unhealthy tissue, restore blood
flow and promote healing.
[0012] Various electrode configurations may be utilized according
to the desired manner of treatment of the wound tissue. In certain
electrode configurations, an electrically conductive fluid may be
provided proximate the active electrode to generate plasma.
Depending on the apparatus used, the conductive fluid may be
provided by a fluid delivery lumen that discharges the fluid in the
vicinity of the target tissue. The fluid delivery lumen may be
integrated with the electrosurgical instrument or may be provided
separately therefrom. Alternatively, a conductive gel or other
medium may be applied to the target tissue prior to treatment.
Similarly, in alternate embodiments, an aspiration lumen may be
provided to remove fluid and body tissue from the vicinity of the
target tissue.
[0013] In using high electric field intensities associated with a
vapor layer to modify the wound tissue, the present method utilizes
the RF electric energy to stimulate healing and wound closure,
remove necrotic or unhealthy tissue as well as biofilm and
bacteria, and improve blood flow. Ischemia underlying a chronic
wound may be treated by utilizing plasma to volumetrically
dissociate and remove wound tissue in order to debride portions of
the wound tissue and/or to create perforations or artificial
channels, thereby triggering a healing response concomitant with
revascularization or neovascularization in portions of the wound
tissue. The use of plasma to stimulate healing and modify wound
tissue through removal of necrotic tissue also leverages the body's
cytokine role in coordinating inflammatory response and repairing
tissue as described in "Percutaneous Plasma Discectomy Stimulates
Repair In Injured Intervertebral Discs," Conor W. O'Neill, et al,
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Radiology,
University of California, San Francisco, Calif. (2004),
incorporated herein by reference.
[0014] As noted in the O'Neil reference, electrosurgical plasma
alters the expression of inflammatory response in tissue, leading
to a decrease in interlukin-1 (IL-1) and an increase in
interlukin-8 (IL-8). While both IL-1 and IL-8 have hyperalgesic
properties, IL-1 is likely to be the more important
pathophysiologic factor in pain disorders than IL-8. Also, as
described in the O'Neil reference, cytokines play an important role
in coordinating inflammatory and repair response to tissue injury.
For example, IL-1 is a catabolic mediator that induces proteases
and inhibits extra-cellular matrix synthesis. On the other hand,
IL-8 is anabolic as it promotes a number of tissue repair functions
including formation of provisional extra-cellular matrices,
angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, stem
cell mobilization, and maturation and remodeling of extra-cellular
matrices.
[0015] With respect to chronic wounds, ischemia may cause tissue to
become inflamed and tissue cells to release inflammatory cytokines,
and may also contribute to factors that attract IL-1 interleukins
that may damage cells and prevent cell proliferation. Thus, by
altering the expression of cytokines such that there is a decrease
in IL-1 and an increase in IL-8, it is suggested that plasma has a
role in stimulating a healing response mediated by IL-8 to mediate
tissue regeneration, resulting in overall tissue healing, an a
decrease in inflammation and pain. Increased IL-8 levels
attributable to the presently described electrosurgical procedures
may also play a role in enhanced wound sterilization as a result of
the higher rate of neutrophil attraction to the inflamed chronic
wound site. Acute infection at a wound site may lead to chronic
wound development, and may further result in gangrene, loss of the
infected limb, and possibly death. Neutrophils produce reactive
oxygen species (ROS) that combat infection and kill bacteria
colonizing a wound bed, such that increased attraction of
neutrophils through the resultant higher IL-8 levels described
above may have a sterilizing role through addressing wound
infection and bacteria levels, as well as limiting the possibility
of extended inflammation in the wound tissue that delays healing
and further damages tissue associated with chronic wounds.
Furthermore, the presence of increased levels of IL-8 may assist in
counteracting the fibroblast gene expression characteristic in
chronic wounds that is attributed to failure of the fibroblast to
produce an adequate metabolic response to epithelialize the
wound.
[0016] Similarly, enhancement of several key biochemical markers is
a significant aspect of proper wound healing response. Growth
factors are imperative in successful wound healing, and inadequate
growth factor levels can be a significant contributor in chronic
wound formation. For example, in chronic wounds the formation and
release of growth factors necessary for wound healing may be
under-expressed, prevented or constrained, such that the growth
factors are unable to effectively perform their roles in the
healing response. By utilizing the effects of electrosurgical
ablation according to the presently described methods to stimulate
one or more growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and epidermal
growth factor (EGF), the proliferation, migration to the wound bed,
and production of new extracellular matrix components by
fibroblasts may be preferably encouraged. Furthermore, treatment of
wound tissue with the electrosurgical ablative procedures described
herein may also beneficially increase wound bed sterility as well
as promote formation of collagen and granulation tissue as part of
the reepithelialization phase of wound healing.
[0017] The temperature effect of electrosurgical ablation according
to the presently described methods may also have an influence on an
improved wound healing response. During the ablative process, a
steep temperature gradient away from the electrosurgical probe may
preferably be created, suggesting that a majority of the tissue
cells in the vicinity of the electrically conductive fluid are
preferably exposed to non-fatal cell stress. However, in
correlation to the limited temperature effect is an observation of
elevated levels of heat shock proteins such as heat shock
protein-70 (Hsp70). As described in "The Short Term Effects of
Electrosurgical Ablation on Proinflammatory Mediator Production by
Intervertebral Disc Cells in Tissue Culture," Kee-Won Rhyu, et al,
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Radiology,
University of California, San Francisco, Calif. (2007),
incorporated herein by reference, the level of Hsp70 of treated
cells was transiently increased after ablation and may have been
induced by the non-fatal cell stress effected by ablation. Changes
in Hsp70 levels indicate that ablation may alter the cell stress
environment, and that ablation may be tied to elevating Hsp70
activity responsible for cellular recovery, survival, and
maintenance of normal cellular function.
[0018] The methods described for promoting a wound healing response
can result in a variety of biochemical, metabolic, physiological,
or anatomical changes that invoke a stabilized healing response to
chronic wound tissue. The desired response may be attributed to
numerous factors, including gene expression, nerve stimulation,
stimulation of greater blood flow, collagen growth, alteration of
cellular function, treatment site sterilization, or other
biochemical or metabolic events that promote healing, repair, and
regeneration of injured tissue. In some embodiments, these induced
changes may include increased anabolic tissue cellular response
including angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and stabilized
remodeling of extra-cellular matrices. The changes may further
include increased nerve stimulation, cell metabolism, increased
collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, transformation of fibroblasts to
myofibroblasts, increased capillary formation with enhanced
microcirculation, and/or enhanced clearance of noxious substances
associated with the inflammatory response. In other embodiments,
the wound healing response may include an increased blood flow to,
and vascularization or revascularization of, the treated wound
region, thereby promoting healing and regeneration of injured
tissue. In yet other embodiments, the wound healing response may
include stimulating the growth of new collagen in the treatment
area.
[0019] Since the method can be applied at any stage of the
condition, the method can therefore be used to treat chronic wound
tissue both before and after a lesion forms. Hence, the early
stages of the condition before extensive tissue damage have
occurred may be preventatively treated, as well as treating
affected areas at a later stage when there is extensive tissue
damage and cellulitis.
[0020] Embodiments of the present methods and system are described
and illustrated in the following detailed specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1A is an illustration of ulcer locations on a foot.
[0022] FIG. 1B is an illustration of a diabetic foot ulcer on the
pad of the foot.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an electrosurgical system
adaptable for use with at least some of the embodiments of the
present method.
[0024] FIG. 3A is an illustration of an electrode configuration for
debriding wound tissue in accordance with at least some of the
embodiments of the present method.
[0025] FIG. 3B is an illustration of an electrode configuration for
perforating wound tissue in accordance with at least some of the
embodiments of the present method.
[0026] FIGS. 4A-E are illustrations of electrode configurations for
debriding wound tissue in accordance with at least some of the
embodiments of the present method.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows an algorithm in accordance with at least some
of the embodiments of the present method.
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
[0034] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled
in the art will appreciate, companies that design and manufacture
electrosurgical systems may refer to a component by different
names. This document does not intend to distinguish between
components that differ in name but not function.
[0035] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and
thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to .
. . ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean
either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device
couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct
connection or through an indirect electrical connection via other
devices and connections.
[0036] Reference to a singular item includes the possibility that
there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as
used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," "said" and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may
be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement
serves as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as
"solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation of
claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation. Lastly, it is to
be appreciated that unless defined otherwise, all technical and
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs.
[0037] "Active electrode" shall mean an electrode of an
electrosurgical wand which produces an electrically-induced
tissue-altering effect when brought into contact with, or close
proximity to, a tissue targeted for treatment, and/or an electrode
having a voltage induced thereon by a voltage generator.
[0038] "Return electrode" shall mean an electrode of an
electrosurgical wand which serves to provide a current flow path
for electrons with respect to an active electrode, and/or an
electrode of an electrosurgical wand which does not itself produce
an electrically-induced tissue-altering effect on tissue targeted
for treatment.
[0039] "Chronic wound tissue" shall mean wound tissue that does not
heal in an orderly set of stages and in a predictable amount of
time, including but not limited to wound tissue attributable to
diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds,
trauma wounds, burns, amputation wounds, radiated tissue, tissue
affected by chemotherapy treatment, and/or infected tissue
compromised by a weakened immune system.
[0040] "Healing mediator" shall mean mechanisms associated with
wound healing that may be expressed by the body during the wound
healing process, including but not limited to cytokines,
interleukin (IL)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF),
and heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70).
[0041] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that
range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated
range is encompassed within the invention. Also, it is contemplated
that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may
be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any
one or more of the features described herein.
[0042] All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g.,
publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as
the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention
(in which case what is present herein shall prevail). The
referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to
the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the present invention is not
entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] In the drawings and description that follows, like parts are
marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same
reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not
necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be
shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some
details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest
of clarity and conciseness. The present invention is susceptible to
embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described
in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification
of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit
the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be
fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments
discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable
combination to produce desired results.
[0044] Electrosurgical apparatus and systems adaptable for use with
the present method are illustrated and described in commonly owned
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,296,638; 6,589,237; 6,602,248 and 6,805,130, the
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. In one
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrosurgical
system (8) includes a probe (10) comprising an elongated shaft (12)
and a connector (14) at its proximal end, and one or more active
electrodes (16A) disposed on the distal end of the shaft. Also
disposed on the shaft but spaced from the active electrode is a
return electrode (16B). A handle (20) with connecting power cable
(18) and cable connector (22) can be removably connected to the
power supply (26).
[0045] As used herein, an active electrode is an electrode that is
adapted to generate a higher charge density relative to a return
electrode, and hence operable to generate a plasma in the vicinity
of the active electrode when a high-frequency voltage potential is
applied across the electrodes, as described herein. Typically, a
higher charge density is obtained by making the active electrode
surface area smaller relative to the surface area of the return
electrode.
[0046] Power supply (26) comprises selection means (28) to change
the applied voltage level. The power supply (26) can also include a
foot pedal (32) positioned close to the user for energizing the
electrodes (16A, 16B). The foot pedal (32) may also include a
second pedal (not shown) for remotely adjusting the voltage level
applied to electrodes (16A, 16B). Also included in the system is an
electrically conductive fluid supply (36) with tubing (34) for
supplying the probe (10) and the electrodes with electrically
conductive fluid. Details of a power supply that may be used with
the electrosurgical probe of the present invention is described in
commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,909, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the return electrode (16B) is
connected to power supply (26) via cable connectors (18), to a
point slightly proximal of active electrode (16A). Typically,
return electrode (16B) is spaced at about 0.5 mm to 10 mm, and more
preferably about 1 mm to 10 mm from active electrode (16A). Shaft
(12) is disposed within an electrically insulative jacket, which is
typically formed as one or more electrically insulative sheaths or
coatings, such as polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide,
and the like. The provision of the electrically insulative jacket
over shaft (12) prevents direct electrical contact between shaft
(12) and any adjacent body structure or the surgeon. Such direct
electrical contact between a body structure and an exposed return
electrode (16B) could result in unwanted heating of the structure
at the point of contact causing necrosis.
[0048] As will be appreciated, the above-described systems and
apparatus can applied equally well to a wide range of
electrosurgical procedures including open procedures, intravascular
procedures, urological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, thoracoscopic
or other cardiac procedures, as well as dermatological, orthopedic,
gynecological, otorhinolaryngological, spinal, and neurologic
procedures, oncology and the like. However, for the present
purposes the system and methods described herein are directed to
treat various forms of breaks in skin tissue and chronic surface
tissue wounds, including but not limited to skin ulcers, mucus
membrane ulcers, foot ulcers, cellulitic tissue, venous ulcers,
pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, trauma
wounds, burns, amputation wounds, wound exacerbated by immune
compromised disease, and wounds associated with radiation and
chemotherapy treatments.
[0049] The assignee of the present invention developed
Coblation.RTM. technology. Coblation.RTM. technology involves the
application of a high frequency voltage difference between one or
more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to
develop high electric field intensities in the vicinity of the
target tissue. The high electric field intensities may be generated
by applying a high frequency voltage that is sufficient to vaporize
an electrically conductive fluid and form a vapor layer over at
least a portion of the active electrode(s) in the region between
the tip of the active electrode(s) and the target tissue. The
electrically conductive fluid may be a liquid or gas, such as
isotonic saline, Ringers' lactate solution, blood, extracellular or
intracellular fluid, delivered to, or already present at, the
target site, or a viscous fluid, such as a gel, applied to the
target site.
[0050] When the conductive fluid is heated enough such that atoms
vaporize off the surface faster than they recondense, a gas is
formed. When the gas is sufficiently heated such that the atoms
collide with each other causing a release of electrons in the
process, an ionized gas or plasma is formed (the so-called "fourth
state of matter"). Generally speaking, plasmas may be formed by
heating a gas and ionizing the gas by driving an electric current
through it, or by shining radio waves into the gas. These methods
of plasma formation give energy to free electrons in the plasma
directly, and then electron-atom collisions liberate more
electrons, and the process cascades until the desired degree of
ionization is achieved. A more complete description of plasma can
be found in Plasma Physics, by R. J. Goldston and P. H. Rutherford
of the Plasma Physics Laboratory of Princeton University (1995),
the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0051] As the density of the plasma or vapor layer becomes
sufficiently low (i.e., less than approximately 1020 atoms/cm3 for
aqueous solutions), the electron mean free path increases to enable
subsequently injected electrons to cause impact ionization within
the vapor layer. Once the ionic particles in the plasma layer have
sufficient energy, they accelerate towards the target tissue. This
ionization, under these conditions, induces the discharge of plasma
comprised of energetic electrons and photons from the vapor layer
and to the surface of the target tissue. Energy evolved by the
energetic electrons (e.g., 3.5 eV to 5 eV) can subsequently bombard
a molecule and break its bonds, dissociating a molecule into free
radicals, which then combine into final gaseous or liquid species.
Among the byproducts of this type of ablation are hydroxyl
radicals, which have been shown to influence IL-8 expression. See
Rhyu, "Short Term Effects of Electrosurgical Ablation," at 455.
Often, the electrons carry the electrical current or absorb the
radio waves and, therefore, are hotter than the ions. Thus, the
electrons, which are carried away from the tissue towards the
return electrode, carry most of the plasma's heat with them,
allowing the ions to break apart the tissue molecules in a
substantially non-thermal manner.
[0052] By means of this molecular dissociation (rather than thermal
evaporation or carbonization), the target tissue structure is
preferably volumetrically removed through molecular disintegration
of larger organic molecules into smaller molecules and/or atoms,
such as hydrogen, oxygen, oxides of carbon, hydrocarbons and
nitrogen compounds. This molecular disintegration completely
removes the tissue structure, as opposed to dehydrating the tissue
material by the removal of liquid within the cells of the tissue
and extracellular fluids, as is typically the case with
electrosurgical desiccation and vaporization. Further, because the
vapor layer or vaporized region has relatively high electrical
impedance, it minimizes current flow into the electrically
conductive fluid. A more detailed description of these phenomena,
termed Coblation.RTM., can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,683,366 and 5,697,882, the complete disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0053] In certain embodiments of the present method, the applied
high frequency voltage can be used to modify tissue in several
ways, e.g., current can be passed directly into the target site by
direct contact with the electrodes such to heat the target site; or
current can be passed indirectly into the target site through an
electrically conductive fluid located between the electrode and the
target site also to heat the target site; or current can be passed
into an electrically conductive fluid disposed between the
electrodes to generate plasma for treating the target site. In
accordance with the present method, the system of FIG. 2 is
adaptable to apply a high frequency (RF) voltage/current to the
active electrode(s) in the presence of electrically conductive
fluid to modify the structure of tissue on and in the vicinity of a
wound. Thus, with the present method, the system of FIG. 2 can be
used to modify tissue by: (1) creating perforations in the chronic
wound tissue and in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue; (2)
volumetrically removing tissue (i.e., ablate or effect molecular
dissociation of the tissue structure) in the chronic wound tissue
and in the vicinity of the chronic wound; (3) forming holes,
channels, divots, or other spaces in the chronic wound tissue and
in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue; (4) cutting,
resecting, or debriding tissues of the chronic wound and in the
vicinity of the chronic wound tissue; (5) inducing blood flow to
the tissues of the chronic wound and in the vicinity of the chronic
wound tissue; (6) shrinking or contracting collagen-containing
connective tissue in and around the chronic wound and/or (7)
coagulate severed blood vessels in and around the chronic wound
tissue.
[0054] In various embodiments of the present method, the
electrically conductive fluid possesses an electrical conductivity
value above a minimum threshold level, in order to provide a
suitable conductive path between the return electrode and the
active electrode(s). The electrical conductivity of the fluid (in
units of milliSiemens per centimeter or mS/cm) is usually be
greater than about 0.2 mS/cm, typically greater than about 2 mS/cm
and more typically greater than about 10 mS/cm. In an exemplary
embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid is isotonic saline,
which has a conductivity of about 17 mS/cm.
[0055] Also in various embodiments of the preset method, it may be
necessary to remove, e.g., aspirate, any excess electrically
conductive fluid and/or ablation by-products from the surgical
site. In addition, it may be desirable to aspirate small pieces of
tissue that are not completely disintegrated by the high frequency
energy, or other fluids at the target site, such as blood, mucus,
and other body fluids. Accordingly, in various embodiments the
present system includes one or more aspiration lumen(s) in the
shaft, or on another instrument, coupled to a suitable vacuum
source for aspirating fluids from the target site. In various
embodiments, the instrument also includes one or more aspiration
active electrode(s) coupled to the aspiration lumen for inhibiting
clogging during aspiration of tissue fragments from the surgical
site. A more complete description of these embodiments can be found
in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,381, the complete disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
[0056] In certain embodiments of the present method, a single
electrode or an electrode array may be disposed over a distal end
of the shaft of the electrosurgical instrument to generate the
plasma that is subsequently applied to the target tissue. In most
configurations, the circumscribed area of the electrode or
electrode array will generally depend on the desired diameter of
the perforations and amount of tissue debriding to be performed. In
one embodiment, the area of the electrode array is in the range of
from about 0.10 mm.sup.2 to 40 mm.sup.2, preferably from about 0.5
mm.sup.2 to 10 mm.sup.2, and more preferably from about 0.5
mm.sup.2 to 5.0 mm.sup.2.
[0057] In addition, the shape of the electrode at the distal end of
the instrument shaft will also depend on the size of the chronic
wound tissue surface area to be treated. For example, the electrode
may take the form of a pointed tip, a solid round wire, or a wire
having other solid cross-sectional shapes such as squares,
rectangles, hexagons, triangles, star-shaped, or the like, to
provide a plurality of edges around the distal perimeter of the
electrodes. Alternatively, the electrode may be in the form of a
hollow metal tube or loop having a cross-sectional shape that is
round, square, hexagonal, rectangular or the like. The envelope or
effective diameter of the individual electrode(s) ranges from about
0.05 mm to 6.5 mm, preferably from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
Furthermore, the electrode may in the form of a screen disposed at
the distal end of the shaft and having an opening therethrough for
aspiration of excess fluid and ablation byproducts.
[0058] Examples of an electrosurgical apparatus that can be used to
modify tissue in accordance with the present method are illustrated
in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4A-E. With reference to FIG. 3A, in one
embodiment the apparatus utilized in the present method comprises
an active electrode (34) disposed on the distal end of a shaft
(36). Spaced from the active electrode is a return electrode (38)
also disposed on the shaft. Both the active and return electrodes
are connected to a high frequency voltage supply (not shown).
Disposed in contact with the active and return electrodes is an
electrically conductive fluid (40). In one embodiment the
electrically conductive fluid forms an electrically conductive
fluid bridge (42) between the electrodes. On application of a high
frequency voltage across the electrodes, plasma is generated as
described above, for use in treating chronic wound tissue in
accordance with the present method. A more detailed description of
the operation of the electrode configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A
can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,638, the
complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Advantageously, as the tip of the electrode (34) presents a
relatively broad surface area, the electrode tip illustrated in
FIG. 3A is beneficially used for treating larger wound areas,
including debriding large amounts of dead or necrotic tissue, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present method.
[0059] Similarly, with reference to FIG. 3B, in one embodiment the
apparatus utilized in the present method comprises an active
electrode (44) disposed on the distal end of a shaft (46) Spaced
from the active electrode is a return electrode (48) also disposed
on the shaft. Both the active and return electrodes are connected
to a high frequency voltage supply (not shown). On application of a
high frequency voltage across the electrode in the presence of a
conductive fluid, plasma is generated for use in treating chronic
wound tissue in accordance with the present method. A more detailed
description of the operation of the electrode illustrated in FIG.
3B can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,248, the
complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Advantageously, as the tip of the electrode (34) presents a pointed
surface, the electrode tip of FIG. 3B is beneficially used for
perforating smaller areas of tissue in the vicinity of the wound
tissue to induce blood flow to the tissue.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment an
electrosurgical instrument such as apparatus (100) is utilized in
the present method and comprises shaft (102) having a shaft distal
end portion (102a) and a shaft proximal end portion (102b), the
latter affixed to handle (104). An aspiration tube (144), adapted
for coupling apparatus (100) to a vacuum source, is joined at
handle (104). An electrically insulating electrode support (108) is
disposed on shaft distal end portion (102a), and a plurality of
active electrodes (110) are arranged on electrode support (108). An
insulating sleeve (118) covers a portion of shaft (102). An exposed
portion of shaft (102) located between sleeve distal end (118a) and
electrode support (108) defines a return electrode (116).
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 4B, a plurality of active electrodes
(110) are arranged substantially parallel to each other on
electrode support (108). Active electrodes (110) usually extend
away from electrode support (108) to facilitate debridement,
resection and ablation of tissue, and are particularly configured
for debriding large amounts of dead or necrotic tissue. A void
within electrode support (108) defines aspiration port (140).
Typically, the plurality of active electrodes (110) span or
traverse aspiration port (140), wherein aspiration port (140) is
substantially centrally located within electrode support (108).
Aspiration port (140) is in fluid communication with aspiration
lumen (142) (FIG. 4C) for aspirating unwanted materials from a
treatment site.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4C, a cross-sectional view of
apparatus (100) is shown. Aspiration lumen (142) is in fluid
communication at its proximal end with aspiration tube (144).
Aspiration port (140), aspiration channel (142), and aspiration
tube (144) provide a suction unit or element for drawing pieces of
tissue toward active electrodes (110) for further ablation after
they have been removed from the target site, and for removing
unwanted materials such as ablation by-products, blood, or excess
saline from the treatment field. Handle (104) houses a connection
block (105) adapted for independently coupling active electrodes
(110) and return electrode (116) to a high frequency power supply.
An active electrode lead (121) couples each active electrode (110)
to connection block (105). Return electrode (116) is independently
coupled to connection block (105) via a return electrode connector
(not shown). Connection block (105) thus provides a convenient
mechanism for independently coupling active electrodes (110) and
return electrode (116) to a power supply (e.g., power supply 26 in
FIG. 2). Referring now to FIG. 4D, a cross-sectional view of shaft
distal end (102a) is shown. In certain embodiments, active
electrode (110) includes a loop portion (113), a free end (114),
and a connected end (115). Active electrode (110) is in
communication at connected end (115) with active electrode lead
(121) for coupling active electrode (110) to connection block
(105). Alternatively, the active electrodes may be arranged in a
screen electrode configuration, as illustrated and described in
commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,254,600 and 7,241,293, the
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 4E, in certain embodiments apparatus
(100) is characterized by outer sheath (152) external to shaft
(102) to provide an annular fluid delivery lumen (150). The distal
terminus of outer sheath (152) defines an annular fluid delivery
port (156) at a location proximal to return electrode (116). Outer
sheath (152) is in fluid communication at its proximal end with
fluid delivery tube (154) at handle (104). Fluid delivery port
(156), fluid delivery lumen (150), and tube (154) provide a fluid
delivery unit for providing an electrically conductive fluid (e.g.,
isotonic saline) to the distal end of apparatus (100) or to a
target site undergoing treatment. To complete a current path from
active electrodes (110) to return electrode (116), electrically
conductive fluid is supplied therebetween, and may be continually
resupplied to maintain the conduction path between return electrode
(116) and active electrodes (110). Provision of electrically
conductive fluid may be particularly valuable in a dry field
situation (i.e., in situations where there are insufficient native
electrically conductive bodily fluids). Alternatively, delivery of
electrically conductive fluid may be through a central internal
fluid delivery lumen, as illustrated and described in commonly
owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,281 and 5,697,536, the disclosures of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
[0064] In a typical procedure involving treatment of a chronic
wound according to the present method, it may be necessary to use
one or more shapes of electrode configuration described above,
either alone or in combination. For example, in a first step, an
electrode of the type illustrated in either FIGS. 3A or 4A-E may be
employed to debride a large area of unhealthy or necrotic tissue
comprising and surrounding the chronic wound site and wound bed. In
a second step of the treatment, an electrode configuration as shown
in FIG. 3B can be used to perforate the debrided area to stimulate
a healing response, including inducing blood flow. It is
contemplated that the first and second steps described above may be
performed in any order or sequence. In another embodiment, an
electrode of the type shown in FIG. 3B may alone be utilized to
perforate the wound tissue to increase blood flow or to stimulate
an expression of at least one healing mediator in order to
coordinate and stabilize the body's wound healing response. In yet
another embodiment, an electrode of the type shown in FIGS. 3A or
4A-E may be utilized in a large scale debridement of necrotic wound
tissue in order to remove necrotic tissue and to create a uniform
tissue surface that is more conducive to a proper wound healing
response. Another embodiment comprises utilizing an electrode of
the type shown in FIGS. 3A or 4A-E to debride necrotic tissue and
to sterilize the treatment site by removing debris, biofilm,
bacteria, and other pathogens, both on the periphery of a wound bed
and within the wound bed itself, and to prepare a bleeding wound
bed suitable for wound closure or skin graft application.
[0065] Typically, during debridement procedures that utilize an
electrode configuration of the type illustrated in FIGS. 4A-E,
apparatus (100) is advanced toward the target tissue such that
electrode support (108) is positioned to be in close proximity to
the target tissue, while active electrodes (110) are positioned so
as to contact, or to be in closer proximity to, the target tissue.
Specifically, active electrodes (110) are adapted for ablating and
debriding tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components
upon application of a high frequency voltage to the instrument.
Moreover, electrically conductive fluid may be delivered to the
treatment site or to the distal end of apparatus (100) in order to
provide a convenient current flow path between the active
electrodes (110) and return electrode (116). Apparatus (100) may be
reciprocated or otherwise manipulated during application of the
high frequency voltage, such that active electrodes (110) move with
respect to the target tissue, and the wound tissue or portions of
the wound tissue in the region of active electrodes (110) are
ablated via molecular dissociation of tissue components, thereby
debriding the wound tissue. As a result, apparatus (100) preferably
removes unhealthy or necrotic tissue and debris, biofilm, bacteria,
and other pathogens, both on the periphery of the wound and within
the wound bed itself in a highly controlled manner, and may be used
to generate a more uniform, smooth, and contoured tissue surface
that is more conducive to proper healing. Alternatively and in
addition, in certain embodiments it may be desirable that small
severed blood vessels at or around the target site are typically
simultaneously coagulated, cauterized and/or sealed as the tissue
is removed to continuously maintain and invoke hemostasis during
the procedure.
[0066] In certain embodiments, apparatus (100) preferably debrides
the wound tissue to the extent that a bleeding wound bed is
prepared suitable for wound closure or skin graft application. As
discussed above, it is vital to epithelialization that the wound
bed is clear of debris and pathogens that may block epithelial cell
proliferation from the edges of the wound bed. Additionally, it is
critical that the epithelial cells have access and exposure to
living or viable tissue in order to efficiently migrate across the
wound bed. Therefore, by utilizing apparatus (100) to debride
tissue adjacent to and within the wound bed to the extent a
bleeding wound bed is prepared, a suitable environment for
epithelialization may be provided.
[0067] In certain embodiments, apparatus (100) may be used to
remove necrotic tissue from within and adjacent to the wound bed
and to remove non-viable tissue forming a border or rim around the
wound bed. Additionally, apparatus (100) may be utilized to treat
the wound bed in order to remove bacterial matter and other
pathogens to promote the sterilization of the treated site. In this
manner of tissue removal and wound treatment, barriers to
epithelial cell migration are eliminated, and improved
communication between healthy tissue and wound tissue is
established. Furthermore, gaps in the vascular structure between
the wound bed and surrounding healthy tissue may be bridged by
removing the border or rim of necrotic or non-viable tissue
surrounding the wound bed.
[0068] Active electrodes (110) are particularly effective for
debriding tissue because they provide a greater current
concentration to the tissue at the target site. The greater current
concentration may be used to aggressively create a plasma within
the electrically conductive fluid, and hence a more efficient
debridement of tissue at the target site. In use, active electrodes
(110) are typically employed to ablate tissue using the
Coblation.RTM. mechanisms as described above. Voltage is applied
between active electrodes (110) and return electrode (116) to
volumetrically loosen fragments from the target site through
molecular dissociation. Once the tissue fragments are loosened from
the target site, the tissue fragments can be ablated in situ with
the plasma (i.e., break down the tissue by processes including
molecular dissociation or disintegration), removed via an
aspiration lumen, or removed via irrigation or other suitable
method. In certain embodiments, active electrodes (110) provide a
relatively uniform smooth debriding effect across the wound tissue.
Additionally, active electrodes (110) generally provide a larger
surface area exposed to electrically conductive fluid as compared
to the smaller active electrodes described above and referenced in
FIG. 3B, which increases the rate of ablation of tissue.
[0069] As referenced above, in certain other embodiments the
apparatus (110) may be provided with aspiration lumen (142) and
electrically conductive fluid delivery lumen (150) (FIGS. 4C and
4E). As a result, a conductive fluid such as saline is delivered to
the target site so that the target tissue site is sufficiently wet
to perform the procedures described herein. As referenced above,
the presently described methods of treatment are not as effective
in a dry field where there is a lack of native electrically
conductive bodily fluid. While the present methods may be effective
in environments with a significantly wet field provided by bodily
fluids such as blood, synovial fluid, or the like, application of
the procedures described herein are most effective in the presence
of a sufficiently wet field with an ample supply of electrically
conductive fluid. In preferred embodiments, it is desirable for the
treatment site to be in contact with, saturated by, or submerged in
extraneous electrically conductive fluid during the application of
a high frequency voltage between the electrodes. Alternatively, it
certain other embodiments it may be desirable to soak the treatment
site with extraneous electrically conductive fluid prior to the
application of a high frequency voltage in order to substantially
saturate the superficial level of necrotic or unhealthy wound
tissue, thereby increasing the efficacy of the plasma created at
the treatment site as well as the rate at which the unhealthy layer
of tissue is removed.
[0070] Further, it is preferable that the conductive fluid delivery
lumen is positioned such that the fluid delivery lumen port is
located in a configuration that allows the conductive fluid to be
delivered partially around the active electrodes thereby immersing
the active electrodes with conductive fluid during the debridement
procedure. Additionally, configurations where the aspiration port
is spaced proximally from the active electrode may be desirable. As
a result of the above-described fluid delivery and aspiration port
positioning, conductive fluid such as saline is delivered to the
target site during use of the instrument and allowed to remain in
contact with the active electrodes and target tissue for a longer
period of time. By delivering the conductive fluid in proximity to
the active electrodes and spacing the aspiration port proximate
from the active electrodes, the dwell time of the conductive fluid
near the active electrodes is increased in order to create more
aggressive plasma. Improved and more aggressive plasma creation at
the treatment site may result in an increase in the rate of
ablation of tissue fragments, thereby primarily aspirating blood
and gas bubbles from the target area and allowing for less clogging
of the aspiration lumen.
[0071] As referenced above, in certain embodiments an electrode
configuration as shown in FIG. 3B may be used to perforate the
wound tissue following debridement in order to promote chronic
wound healing and/or closure. Perforation of the wound tissue may
also be performed before the debridement step, or, in certain
embodiments, independent of or without macro-scale debridement.
During application of the high frequency voltage between active
electrode (44) and return electrode (48), the distal end of shaft
(46) may be translated relative to the wound tissue to form holes,
channels, divots, craters, or the like within the tissue. In a
preferred embodiment, active electrode (44) is axially translated
into wound tissue as a plasma is formed, resulting in the
volumetric removal of the tissue at the penetration site to form
one or more channels or perforations in the wound tissue. The
perforations may be substantially cylindrical, with a diameter of
up to 3 mm and preferably may have a diameter of less than about 2
mm, and usually less than about 1 mm. The perforation and
volumetric removal of necrotic wound tissue may be performed in a
controlled manner by careful articulation of the instrument to form
a perforation or series of perforations at specific locations and
according to a desired pattern over a selected area (e.g., in a
grid-like pattern). Alternatively, the perforation of the chronic
wound tissue may be performed in a more free-form or random manner,
with multiple perforations formed across the surface of the chronic
wound tissue. As such, the instrument may be used to form
subsequent and additional proximate perforations within the wound
tissue as the treatment of the target tissue is repeated in a
selected area and manner. As a result of perforating the wound
tissue in the manner described above, blood flow to the healthy
tissue in proximity to the wound tissue may be increased, and a
wound healing response may be invoked, stabilized, expedited,
and/or improved.
[0072] Applicants believe that the presently-described methods of
treatment for chronic wound tissue utilizing the above-referenced
electrosurgical devices evokes a more organized and coordinated
healing response than is typically associated with chronic wounds.
Specifically, the application of high frequency voltage and
resulting plasma to chronic wound tissue, in conjunction with the
ensuing debridement and/or perforation of the wound tissue,
stimulates and modulates an expression of healing mediators such as
growth factors, heat shock proteins, and cytokines, and promotes a
stabilized wound healing response attributable to a variety of
biochemical, metabolic, and/or physiological changes. As referenced
above, with respect to chronic wounds the wound healing process may
often go awry such that the wound is never allowed to completely or
properly heal. Chronic wounds may be subject to a healing response
characterized by stages repeating in an open loop where one stage
cannot be completed and subsequent stages of the process cannot
begin, are interfered with, or are compromised. By stimulating and
modifying the wound tissue in the method described above (i.e.,
through the application of electrical energy and plasma), the wound
healing process is effectively put back on track and allowed to
progress to its natural end.
[0073] For example, in certain embodiments the treatment method
described herein may invoke a healing response that includes gene
expression in the form of altered cytokine levels conducive to
halting tissue degeneration and to promoting the proliferation of
fibroblasts. Applicants believe that the resultant gene expression
stimulates the treated tissue to form novel structures that invoke
a proper wound healing process and advances the process through the
incomplete stage and toward the completion of the process. By way
of additional example, Applicants believe that the application of
plasma to chronic wound tissue results in increased blood flow,
vascularization, or revascularization in the treated area, which
promotes healing and regeneration of healthy tissue in the wound
region.
[0074] As discussed above, in using any of the contemplated
electrode configurations it is desirable to remove at least a
portion of the necrotic chronic wound tissue via debridement or
perforation to promote wound healing and closure. More
specifically, whether the best treatment procedure is determined to
be that of larger scale debridement or perforation, or some
combination thereof, it is preferable to remove unhealthy tissue
both on the periphery, border or rim, of the wound bed, as well as
from within the wound bed itself. Concomitant with tissue removal
via electrosurgical ablation according to the methods described
herein is a collateral stimulative effect from the RF electric
fields generated by the electrosurgical process. In certain
embodiments, the treatment of wound tissue via the described
electrosurgical ablative debridement results in the stimulation of
surrounding layers of tissue--both in substantially horizontal and
vertical directions from the wound bed--such that a
macro-stimulation of tissue from the RF energy is generated.
Therefore, the stimulative RF effect contemplated by the present
methods is both across the wound bed surface such that the adjacent
wound border or rim tissue is affected, but also, down through
deeper tissue layers found below the wound bed such that underlying
tissue structures may be influenced.
[0075] The above-described stimulation preferably provides for
sufficient but not excessive production of healing mediators
associated with the wound bed tissue debridement. According to the
desired methods of treatment, there is an initial healing mediator
response from each tissue stimulus associated with the
electrosurgical RF treatment and tissue removal, which is
preferably followed with subsequent repeated and periodic
treatments to overlap treatments responses and restart the cascade
of healing mediators.
[0076] In some instances, the stimulation may extend to nerves
proximate to the treatment area, resulting in a return of sensation
to the area where the wound tissue has been treated by way of
debridement and/or perforation. Certain embodiments of the present
method may include treating target tissue by the application of
plasma and thereby modifying the wound tissue, resulting in
increased nerve stimulation, increased capillary formation with
enhanced microcirculation, and vascularization of the treated
tissue. This may be especially beneficial in treatment methods for
wounds with no open lesions.
[0077] In certain embodiments, wounds with no open or apparent
lesions may be treated by perforating the target tissue through the
application of high frequency voltage and the creation of plasma at
the tip of an active electrode, resulting in nerve stimulation and
revascularization. In treating pre-open wounds (e.g., calluses) by
the described manner of electrosurgical perforation, ulcerated
wound tissue is modified prior to the formation of lesions and is
stimulated to induce sensation to return to the treated area. As a
result, the patient may then preferably develop an improved
awareness of excessive damaging contact and wear on the area and
take preventative steps to correct the issues affecting the
pre-lesion wound tissue prior to the formation of an open wound.
This manner of preventative treatment may be particularly helpful
to patients with diabetic foot ulcers who have lost sensation in an
area with some cellulitis, where the desensitized are may be
adversely affected by footwear and repeated rubbing or wear
resulting from walking.
[0078] The area of the tissue treatment surface can vary widely,
and the tissue treatment surface can assume a variety of
geometries, with particular areas and geometries being selected for
specific applications. The active electrode surface(s) can have
area(s) in the range from about 0.25 mm.sup.2 to 75 mm.sup.2,
usually being from about 0.5 mm.sup.2 to 40 mm.sup.2. The
geometries can be planar, concave, convex, hemispherical, conical,
linear "in-line" array, or virtually any other regular or irregular
shape.
[0079] Most commonly, the active electrode(s) or active electrode
array(s) will be formed at the distal tip of the electrosurgical
instrument shaft, frequently being planar, disk-shaped, pointed or
hemispherical surfaces for use in reshaping procedures, or being
linear arrays for use in cutting. Alternatively or additionally,
the active electrode(s) may be formed on lateral surfaces of the
electrosurgical instrument shaft (e.g., in the manner of a
spatula).
[0080] The voltage difference applied between the return
electrode(s) and the return electrode is high or radio frequency,
typically between about 5 kHz and 20 MHz, usually being between
about 30 kHz and 2.5 MHz, preferably being between about 50 kHz and
500 kHz, more preferably less than 350 kHz, and most preferably
between about 100 kHz and 200 kHz. The RMS (root mean square)
voltage applied will usually be in the range from about 5 volts to
1000 volts, preferably being in the range from about 10 volts to
500 volts depending on the active electrode size, the operating
frequency and the operation mode of the particular procedure or
desired effect on the tissue (e.g., contraction, coagulation,
cutting or ablation).
[0081] Typically, the peak-to-peak voltage for ablation or cutting
of tissue will be in the range of from about 10 volts to 2000
volts, usually in the range of 200 volts to 1800 volts, and more
typically in the range of about 300 volts to 1500 volts, often in
the range of about 500 volts to 900 volts peak to peak (again,
depending on the electrode size, the operating frequency and the
operation mode). Lower peak-to-peak voltages will be used for
tissue coagulation or collagen contraction and will typically be in
the range from 50 to 1500, preferably from about 100 to 1000, and
more preferably from about 120 to 600 volts peak-to-peak.
[0082] The power source may be current limited or otherwise
controlled so that undesired heating of the target tissue or
surrounding (non-target) tissue does not occur. In a preferred
embodiment, current limiting inductors are placed in series with
each independent active electrode, where the inductance of the
inductor is in the range of 10 .mu.H to 50,000 .mu.H, depending on
the electrical properties of the target tissue, the desired tissue
heating rate and the operating frequency. Alternatively,
capacitor-inductor (LC) circuit structures may be employed, as
described previously in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,909, the complete
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0083] The current flow path between the active electrodes and the
return electrode(s) may be generated by submerging the tissue site
in an electrically conductive fluid (e.g., a viscous fluid, such as
an electrically conductive gel), or by directing an electrically
conductive fluid through a fluid outlet along a fluid path to
saturate the target site (i.e., a liquid, such as isotonic saline,
or a gas, such as argon). The conductive gel may also be delivered
to the target site to achieve a slower more controlled delivery
rate of conductive fluid. In addition, the viscous nature of the
gel may allow the surgeon to more easily contain the gel around the
target site (e.g., as compared with containment of a liquid, such
as isotonic saline). A more complete description of an exemplary
method of directing electrically conductive fluid between active
and return electrodes is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,281, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 5, the present method in one
embodiment is a procedure for treating chronic wound tissue to
promote healing. In particular embodiments, the method (50)
includes the steps of: (52) positioning an active electrode in
close proximity to the chronic wound tissue; and (54) applying a
high-frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return
electrode sufficient to develop a high electric field intensity
associated with a vapor layer proximate the active electrode,
wherein the high electric field intensity stimulates an expression
of at least one healing mediator.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment for a procedure
to treat chronic wound tissue is illustrated. The method (60)
includes the steps of: (62) positioning an active electrode in
close proximity to the chronic wound tissue; (64) delivering an
electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; (66)
applying a high-frequency voltage between the active electrode and
a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive
fluid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active
electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer alters an inflammatory
response in the chronic wound tissue and sterilizes at least a
portion of the chronic wound tissue.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment for a procedure
to treat chronic wound tissue is illustrated. The method (70)
includes the steps of: (72) positioning an active electrode in
proximity to the chronic wound tissue; (74) positioning a return
electrode in the presence of the chronic wound tissue, the return
electrode proximally spaced away from the active electrode; and
(76) applying a high-frequency voltage between the active electrode
and the return electrode sufficient to perforate the chronic wound
tissue and at least a portion of a tissue adjacent to the chronic
wound tissue via molecular dissociation to induce an expression of
at least one healing mediator.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment for a procedure
to treat chronic wound tissue is illustrated. The method (80)
includes the steps of: (82) positioning an active electrode in
close proximity to the chronic wound tissue; (84) positioning a
return electrode in the presence of the chronic wound tissue, the
return electrode proximally spaced away from the active electrode;
and (86) applying a high-frequency voltage between the active
electrode and the return electrode sufficient to debride at least a
portion of the chronic wound tissue and at least a portion of a
tissue adjacent to the chronic wound tissue via molecular
dissociation to induced an expression of at least one healing
mediator.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment for a procedure
to treat chronic wound tissue is illustrated. The method (90)
includes the steps of: (92) positioning an active electrode in
close proximity to the chronic wound tissue, the chronic wound
tissue comprising a wound bed having a surface layer; (94)
positioning a return electrode in the presence of the chronic wound
tissue, the return electrode proximally spaced away from the active
electrode; (96) applying a high-frequency voltage between the
active electrode and the return electrode wherein the surface layer
is perforated and the wound bed is debrided to stimulate the
chronic wound tissue; and (98) applying the high-frequency voltage
to a border tissue portion adjacent to the wound bed to remove the
border tissue portion via molecular dissociation and to stimulate
the tissue surrounding the wound bed.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 10, an embodiment for a procedure to
treat pre-lesioned wound tissue is illustrated. The method (1000)
includes the steps of: (1010) positioning an active electrode in
close proximity to the wound tissue, the active electrode disposed
on a distal end of a shaft and spaced distally from a return
electrode; and (1020) applying a high-frequency voltage between the
active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to develop a
high electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer
proximate the active electrode and in close proximity to the wound
tissue such that a portion of the wound tissue is perforated,
wherein perforating the portion of the wound tissue stimulates an
expression of at least one healing mediator within the wound tissue
and in the vicinity of the wound tissue.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 11, an embodiment for a procedure to
treat a break in skin tissue is illustrated. The method (1100)
includes the steps of: (1110) positioning a distal end of an
electrosurgical instrument in close proximity to the break, the
instrument further comprising an active electrode and a return
electrode spaced proximally from the active electrode; (1120)
applying a high frequency voltage between the active and return
electrodes, wherein a high electric field intensity associated with
a vapor layer develops in close proximity to the break; (1130)
removing at least a portion of a tissue surrounding the break via
molecular dissociation, wherein the step of removing induces blood
flow to the tissue surrounding the break; and (1140) stimulating
the tissue surrounding the break, wherein stimulating the tissue
surrounding the break comprises altering an expression of at least
one healing mediator in the tissue.
[0091] In certain embodiments, a conductive fluid such as isotonic
saline, a conductive gel, Ringer's solution, or body fluid such as
blood and body plasma, is present and is in contact with the active
electrode. As noted above, the conductive fluid in the presence of
a sufficiently high-frequency voltage will generate plasma as used
in the present method. Preferably, the conductive fluid forms a
conductive bridge between the active electrode and the return
electrode. In these embodiments, the active and return electrodes
are disposed on the distal end of an electrosurgical shaft as
described above. Therefore, since current does not pass into the
tissue, plasma generated in the conductive fluid is used to modify
the tissue as described above.
[0092] In certain other embodiments, an electrically conductive
fluid layer is provided in between the active electrode and the
tissue, in the vicinity of the tissue. In these embodiments, in
addition to plasma generated in the fluid, current from the applied
high frequency voltage is applied into the tissue. Therefore, both
current and plasma are used to modify the tissue. In alternative
embodiments the applied high frequency voltage is adjusted to
provide sufficient current for coagulating and sealing the tissue
and stop bleeding.
[0093] In various embodiments of the method, a suitably configured
active electrode is used to treat the chronic wound tissue, for
example, by debriding, perforating, inducing blood-flow to tissue,
coagulating tissue and/or volumetrically removing tissue in the
vicinity of the wound. Thus, for example, an active electrode as
schematically illustrated in FIG. 3A and comprised of a relatively
wide distal end can be used to debride and volumetrically remove
unhealthy tissue in the vicinity of the wound. Similarly,
loop-shaped active electrodes as schematically illustrated in FIGS.
4A-E may be used for larger scale debridment of unhealthy and/or
necrotic wound tissue. Additionally, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present method, the smaller active electrode
schematically illustrated in FIG. 3B can be used in combination
with the debridement procedures to perforate the wound tissue to
induce blood flow for healing. Moreover, in another embodiment of
the present method the smaller active electrode illustrated in FIG.
3B may be used independently of the electrode configurations used
to debride tissue, wherein the method includes perforating tissue
in a non-debrided area to increase blood flow and/or to stimulation
nerves in the treatment area.
[0094] During procedures according to the present methods, the
active electrode(s) are preferably translated axially and radially
over the tissue in the proximity of the chronic wound tissue to
volumetrically remove and modify the tissue. For larger and more
complicated chronic wounds, an electrode with a wider tip and/or
larger surface area as illustrated in FIGS. 3A or 4A-E may be used
for debridement and more aggressive treatment. Depending on the
size of the debrided area or the lesion, small wounds can be
treated by a needle-type active electrode as illustrated in FIG.
3B, wherein many perforations are applied on the wound tissue in a
random manner (i.e., for cellulitis in the vicinity of a
pre-lesioned wound). Furthermore, the perforations may be applied
to the wound tissue in a designed manner, with desired perforation
density and geometry (i.e., such as a grid-like pattern). In
various embodiments including the step of perforating, the tissue
in the vicinity of the chronic wound may be treated with the active
electrode for a timed, controlled dose of a set period, such as
between the range of approximately 0.05 seconds to 3 seconds, and
preferably for 0.5 seconds at a time. Depending on the size of the
area to be treated the method in one embodiment involves
perforating the tissue at about 0.25 mm to 8 mm apart in the
vicinity of the wound tissue, and preferably about 1 mm to 2 mm
apart. The perforation formed may have diameters of up to about 3
mm, and preferably may have a diameter of less than about 2 mm, and
usually less than about 1 mm. Additionally, the perforations may be
about 1 mm to 1 cm deep, with a preferable depth of about 3 mm.
[0095] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been
shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one
skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching
herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are
not limiting. Because many varying and different embodiments may be
made within the scope of the present inventive concept, including
equivalent structures, materials, or methods hereafter though of,
and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments
herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of
the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *