Importance

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Abstract

A suction coagulator includes an improved anti-clog tip. The anti-clog tip is located at the distal end of a hollow, conductive tube, the proximal end of which is connected to a handle. An interior channel runs through the conductive tube and the handle through a suction fitting thereon to a conventional source of suction. The handle also includes an electrical connection for providing electrical power to the conductive tube. An insulating layer surrounds the exterior sidewall of the conductive tube and is stripped back a distance D.sub.O of 0.050 to 0.200 inches from the distal end of the conductive tube. A thermal insulating sleeve or coating is located inside of the interior channel of the conductive tube and extends from the distal end a distance D.sub.I into said interior channel. The distance D.sub.I is approximately 11/2 to 3 times the outside diameter OD.sub.C of the conductive cannula tube. The insulating sleeve provides substantial thermal insulation and some electrical insulation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distal end of the tube is flared into a bell creating an air gap having a width of D.sub.G between the insulation sleeve and the inside diameter ID.sub.B of the bell. The outside diameter of the bell is approximately equal to the outside diameter OD.sub.C of the hollow, conductive cannula tube.

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First Claim