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Abstract

A bipolar probe device for ophthalmic surgery such as anterior capsule cutting includes an elongated probe electrode assembly having an active tip region where a pair of electrodes are exposed along a sidewall portion of the active tip region such that there exists a single axis of closest approach between the two exposed electrodes which lies along the side of the probe. The preferred embodiment includes an outer cylindrical metal tube electrode forming the outer surface of the elongated probe and a axial electrode coaxial with the tubular electrode at the extreme tip of the tubular electrode and extending from the tubular electrode and radially away from the central axis of the tubular electrode to one side of the probe. The central axis of the extreme tip of the central electrode is turned away at least 45.degree. and suggestedly about 80.degree. and 90.degree. from the central axis of the tubular member. In another embodiment, a pair of electrode tips are exposed through the surface of a hemispherical insulator supported by a tubular member on one side of a central axis through the insulator hemispherical surface and the tube, coplanar with that central axis.

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First Claim