Importance

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Abstract

A suction coagulator includes an improved inclined and flared 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 having a long central axis 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 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. Distance D.sub.I is approximately 11/2 to 3 times the outside diameter OD.sub.C of the conductive cannula tube. The distal end of the tube is preferably flared creating an air gap having a width of D.sub.G between the insulation sleeve and the inside diameter ID.sub.B of the flared distal end. The distal end includes a leading edge that is inclined at an angle A in the range of 20.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the central axis of the hollow conductive tube. The performance of the instrument can be further improved for procedures where cutting is especially difficult by adding a nib extension to the flared distal end of the conductive tube.

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First Claim